Mexico’s most-wanted cartel figure, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as was killed Sunday, Feb. 22, during a military operation in Jalisco, authorities confirmed. As a result of plumes of smoke rising across Jalisco due to the violence following the killing, passengers panicked at Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara Airport in Mexico, with videos showing passengers dropping their luggage and running through the airport to take shelter behind chairs and flight desks.
Operation in Jalisco and Criminal Charges
The drug lord widely known as “El Mencho”, led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known by its Spanish initials, CJNG.
Mexican security forces captured Mr.Oseguera in Tapalpa, a town of about 20,000, in the western coastal state of Jalisco, where his cartel was founded and based. Mr.Oseguera was injured in the operation and died while in transport to Mexico City for medical attention. Nine other members of the cartel were killed as well in the operation.
El Mencho had been indicted several times in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia since 2017 and was most recently charged in April 2022 for conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances (methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl) for purposes of unlawful importation into the United States and use of a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes.
His death was seen as a significant move by Mexican authorities amid pressure from the administration of United States President Donald Tump to intensify efforts against powerful drug cartels.
Airport Chaos and Retaliation
Following Oseguera’s death, the cartel started burning cars, supermarkets and banks to create a roadblocks in Jalisco and neighbouring states to obstruct security force movements.
Major chaos broke out at Guadalajara International Airport and Puerto Vallarta International Airport.
Videos circulated on social media showing scenes of chaos inside the terminals, with some users described an apparent shooting and referred to an “active shooter”, although authorities have not publicly confirmed those claims.
Issuing a notice to passengers warning of disruption, the Puerto Vallarta International Airport stated,
“Due to unforeseen situations on routes near the airport, we recommend taking precautions when planning your arrival. Additionally, we recommend checking with your airline about the status of your flight to avoid inconveniences.”
As a result of the violence, several airlines, including Delta Airlines, American Airlines and Air Canada, suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta, leaving some tourists temporarily stranded.
Footage from both airports showed distant smoke and panicked travellers. At Guadalajara International Airport, travellers took cover near a jetway and sprinted through the terminal.
Another video showed a large number of people being escorted by uniformed employees across the tarmac of Puerto Vallarta International Airport.
Amid the flight cancellations, Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency reported that the airport of Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Tepic had resumed normal operations on Sunday afternoon.
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