Mexican cartels launched coordinated attacks on civilian infrastructure—burning vehicles, blocking highways, and clashing with security forces—across at least six states following a joint U.S.-Mexico operation that killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes
Mexican police officers are being gunned down throughout the cities and regions where the CJNG has unleashed hell following the death of their leader. pic.twitter.com/KSpTU20CE8
— Ian Miles Cheong (@ianmiles) February 22, 2026
The killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes in a joint U.S.-Mexico operation has triggered widespread cartel retaliation targeting civilian infrastructure.
Following the raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, cartel members launched coordinated attacks across at least six Mexican states, burning vehicles, blocking major highways, and attacking commercial establishments. In the tourist resort of Puerto Vallarta, cartels set public buses on fire downtown and engaged in armed clashes, forcing evacuations and prompting officials to declare a “Code Red.” The U.S. State Department subsequently issued a security alert warning American citizens to shelter in place in affected areas, including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau acknowledged the violence, stating, “I see the scenes of violence in Mexico with great sadness and concern. It does not surprise me that the bad guys respond with terror.”
The CJNG and other Mexican cartels were officially designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the U.S. State Department in February 2025.
Cartels attack civilian targets across Mexico after US – Mexico mission kills cartel leader ' El Mencho'pic.twitter.com/BjjfkJgHqe
— Rifnote (@viarifnote) February 22, 2026