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February 22, 2026 / 1:52 PM EST
/ CBS/AP
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Violent clashes erupted in parts of western Mexico on Sunday amid a military operation that led to the death of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leaderm triggering widespread security concerns throughout the region.
A federal official, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, told the Associated Press that the Mexican army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” during an operation in the western state of Jalisco. In a statement on X, Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar also said the leader of a criminal organization was killed, though she didn’t identify them.
The operation followed several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states. Such tactics are commonly used by the cartels to block military operations.
A member of the Prosecutor’s Office stands guard near a burning bus set on fire by organized crime groups in response to an operation in Jalisco to arrest a high-priority security target, at one of the main avenues in Zapopan, state of Jalisco, Mexico, on February 22, 2026.
Ulises Ruiz /AFP via Getty Images
Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro activated a “code red,” which is a protocol for a state of emergency or security crisis, in response to the clashes. In a post on X, he said public transportation was suspended across Jalisco and urged people in the area to remain in their homes until the situation was under control.
Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the city of Puerto Vallarta, a major city in Jalisco, and sprinting through the airport of the state’s capital in panic.
Air Canada temporarily suspended operations at the Puerto Vallarta Airport because of what it described as “an ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta” that impacted the airport.
“We are monitoring the situation and in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue,” the airline said.
The U.S. State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho.
In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.
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Mexico
Terrorism
Donald Trump
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