Mexico mourns the death of drug lord Mencho, with shops and banks set on fire and blood spilling on the streets.

Posted on 23rd Feb 2026 by rohit kumar

The situation in Mexico has become extremely tense following the death of notorious drug smuggler El Mencho. The cartel has launched a retaliatory strike, blocking highways, halting flights, and sending people fleeing for their lives.

 

 

It was reported that members of El Mencho's gang set vehicles on fire, blocked main roads, and set shops on fire in several states. According to officials, this violence occurred following a high-profile operation by Mexican Special Forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, carried out with US intelligence support.

 

 

Tourists are advised, and many flights are cancelled

Authorities in some cities have urged tourists and residents to stay indoors. Truck drivers have been advised to avoid certain routes or return to their depots until the situation improves.

 

 

Meanwhile, Air Canada, United Airlines, and Aeromexico have canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta. Mexico's two-decade-long battle against drug cartels has spread violence to more than half a dozen states.

 

 

Video of violence shared

In addition, videos shared by security sources showed a military tank entering a residential area in Aguascalientes, a roadblock on the busy Mexico-Puebla highway, and armed men in pickup trucks blocking traffic in Colima.

 

 

Carlo Gutierrez, who lives in Guadalajara, said WhatsApp groups were warning people to stay indoors. "There is fear and extreme caution," he said.

 

 

Cartel warns

A CJNG member told Reuters that the fire and gunfire in Sunday's military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, were in retaliation for Oseguera's killing. He also warned that unrest could escalate as the group attempts to take control of the cartel.

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