Mexico Under attack
US citizens urged to ‘shelter in place’ after Mexico drug lord’s killing sparks wave of violence.
DogMan · 61-69, M
Several cities in Mexico, including Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Reynosa, are experiencing attacks and unrest following the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader "El Mencho."
Key Cities and States Affected
Jalisco State: The epicenter of the violence, including Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Chapala, has seen burning vehicles, road blockades, and attacks on gas stations and stores. Public transportation has been suspended, and residents are advised to stay indoors. Airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta experienced disruptions, though operations have since resumed with some diversions.
Tamaulipas State: Reynosa and other municipalities near the U.S. border have reported cartel blockades and road disruptions, affecting access to international bridges.
Michoacán State:[/b] Multiple municipalities are experiencing unrest, with reports of explosions, fires, and clashes between cartel members and authorities.
Guerrero State: Certain areas are under heightened alert due to retaliatory attacks.
Nuevo León State: Residents are advised to shelter in place amid ongoing security operations.
Other States: Early reports indicate unrest may also be affecting Guanajuato, Colima, Nayarit, Veracruz, and Aguascalientes, though the situation is evolving.
Key Cities and States Affected
Jalisco State: The epicenter of the violence, including Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Chapala, has seen burning vehicles, road blockades, and attacks on gas stations and stores. Public transportation has been suspended, and residents are advised to stay indoors. Airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta experienced disruptions, though operations have since resumed with some diversions.
Tamaulipas State: Reynosa and other municipalities near the U.S. border have reported cartel blockades and road disruptions, affecting access to international bridges.
Michoacán State:[/b] Multiple municipalities are experiencing unrest, with reports of explosions, fires, and clashes between cartel members and authorities.
Guerrero State: Certain areas are under heightened alert due to retaliatory attacks.
Nuevo León State: Residents are advised to shelter in place amid ongoing security operations.
Other States: Early reports indicate unrest may also be affecting Guanajuato, Colima, Nayarit, Veracruz, and Aguascalientes, though the situation is evolving.
DogMan · 61-69, M
Nature of the Attacks
The violence is largely retaliatory, following the military killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho") in Tapalpa, Jalisco. Attacks include:
Road blockades with burning vehicles and spike strips
Shootouts between cartel gunmen and security forces
Fires at commercial locations such as gas stations, convenience stores, and even a Costco in Puerto Vallarta
Disruptions at airports and public transportation systems
Safety Advisories
The U.S. State Department and local authorities have issued warnings for residents and travelers to shelter in place in affected areas. Schools in Jalisco and Nayarit have been temporarily closed, and public transport services are limited as a precaution.
CBS News
Summary
The current unrest in Mexico is concentrated in western and northern states, with Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León being the most affected. Cities like Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Reynosa are experiencing significant disruptions due to cartel retaliation. Residents and travelers are strongly advised to follow local security guidance and avoid non-essential travel in these regions.
The violence is largely retaliatory, following the military killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho") in Tapalpa, Jalisco. Attacks include:
Road blockades with burning vehicles and spike strips
Shootouts between cartel gunmen and security forces
Fires at commercial locations such as gas stations, convenience stores, and even a Costco in Puerto Vallarta
Disruptions at airports and public transportation systems
Safety Advisories
The U.S. State Department and local authorities have issued warnings for residents and travelers to shelter in place in affected areas. Schools in Jalisco and Nayarit have been temporarily closed, and public transport services are limited as a precaution.
CBS News
Summary
The current unrest in Mexico is concentrated in western and northern states, with Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León being the most affected. Cities like Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Reynosa are experiencing significant disruptions due to cartel retaliation. Residents and travelers are strongly advised to follow local security guidance and avoid non-essential travel in these regions.
SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has repeatedly criticised the so-called kingpin strategy in the past, on the grounds that it sets off more bloodshed. The problem is that removing gang leaders tends to cause their organisation to splinter, prompting infighting. Murders shoot up.
Mr Trump has put increasing pressure on Ms Sheinbaum to do more to dismantle gangs—or risk the United States doing the work itself with unilateral military strikes. In January the United States said it needed to see more than “incremental progress” in Mexico. The operation to take out El Mencho was supported by American intelligence. He was a top target for the United States because he trafficked drugs into the country, including deadly fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration had offered a $15m reward for information leading to his capture.
The Economist, 23 February 2026.
BizSuitStacy · M
DogMan · 61-69, M
@BizSuitStacy She needs to start by building humongous prisons like they did in
El Salvador. Then they can come down hard and put them away. One of my employees is from
El Salvador.
He didn't visit his family for 20 years because of the violence. Now he goes twice a year.
He said it went from the most dangerous country in the world to one of the safest.
El Salvador. Then they can come down hard and put them away. One of my employees is from
El Salvador.
He didn't visit his family for 20 years because of the violence. Now he goes twice a year.
He said it went from the most dangerous country in the world to one of the safest.
MoveAlong · 70-79, M
It doesn't matter how many they kill. The cartels are going to survive in some form as long as there is a demand for their product.