Mexican cartel head and drug trafficker Ruben Nemesio Oseguera, also known as “El Mencho,” was killed by the Mexican Army during a military operation on Sunday, Mexican authorities announced.
Oseguera was part of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels, and the one that took power after the US captured Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.
The US Embassy in Mexico issued an alert to its citizens, advising them to shelter in place until further notice if they are in Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State.
The embassy said US citizens should avoid areas around law enforcement activity; be aware of their surroundings; seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements; monitor local media for updates; follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911; avoid crowds; and keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.
According to the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), the operation began as an effort to detain Oseguera but turned violent after cartel members attacked military personnel.
Oseguera sustained severe injuries during the incident and died during air transport to Mexico City, SEDENA stated in a press release.
The operation was carried out by the Mexican military in collaboration with the Mexican National Intelligence Center and the Attorney General's Office, and utilized aircraft from the Mexican Air Force.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said, "There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must stay informed and calm. My recognition to the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet."
She also confirmed that operations by the Mexican Army and the National Guard led to various blockades and other responses.
Chaos broke loose as cartel members lashed out
Mexican Army troops and the Mexican National Guard were mobilized to Jalisco to reinforce security as violent cartel riots broke out following the operation.
Initial unverified reports on social media showed that members of the cartel overtook an airport in Jalisco.
However, the Mexican Security Cabinet announced that Jalisco's airports are operating normally.
Cartel members also reportedly burned down several shopping centers, vandalized businesses, and blocked roads around the province.
In Jalisco, authorities have asked residents to stay inside for their own safety. Roads were blocked in several Mexican cities, some up to 800 kilometers away.
During the operation, two other cartel members were arrested, according to the Mexican embassy in the US. Mexican authorities seized several weapons and armored vehicles, including rocket launchers.
A 'great development' for Mexico
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described Oseguera as "one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins" in a post on X/Twitter following the operation.
"This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world," Landau stated, asserting that "the good guys are stronger than the bad guys."
Landau additionally shared that he is "watching the scenes of violence from Mexico with great sadness and concern" as cartel members violently lash out.
US airlines suspend operations in Mexico
Air Canada said on Sunday it temporarily suspended operations in Jalisco's Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast, a popular beach resort for Canadians and Americans.
United Airlines and American Airlines said they have canceled flight operations to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
"United Airlines flight operations to PVR are canceled," the carrier said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
American Airlines told Reuters in a separate statement it has canceled flights to and from PVR and GDL for the remainder of Sunday, February 22.
Reuters and Tobias Holcman contributed to this report.