GUADALAJARA, MX — The death of one of the world’s most-wanted men has turned parts of western Mexico into a battleground. Following the early-morning operation that left “El Mencho” fatally wounded, cartel operatives launched a “scorched earth” response, torching buses, blocking major highways, and forcing the suspension of international travel.
The Operation: How El Mencho Fell
- The Raid: Special forces from the Mexican Army (SEDENA), supported by US intelligence, descended on a compound in the mountainous region of Tapalpa.
- The Firefight: A brutal shootout ensued, leaving four cartel members dead at the scene. El Mencho was seriously injured and reportedly died while being airlifted to a hospital in Mexico City.
- Seized Arsenal: Troops recovered military-grade weaponry, including armored vehicles and rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft.
- Casualties: Three members of the Mexican armed forces were wounded, and reports indicate several National Guard members were killed in subsequent clashes.
Fact-Check: The “Burning Plane” in Guadalajara
Amid the chaos, an image of a Volaris aircraft engulfed in flames at Guadalajara International Airport went viral, causing widespread panic.
Official Clarification: The Embassy of Mexico in the United States and Guadalajara Airport officials have confirmed the image is FALSE. The photo was AI-generated; while flight operations were suspended for safety, no aircraft were set on fire at the airport.
International Travel and Safety Alerts
The fallout has paralyzed travel for thousands of tourists and residents:
- Shelter-in-Place: The US State Department issued an emergency alert for Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León, advising citizens to stay indoors and avoid all travel.
- Flight Cancellations: Air Canada, Delta, Southwest, and United canceled dozens of flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Air Canada has officially suspended service to Puerto Vallarta until the situation stabilizes.
- State of Emergency: Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro has activated “Code Red,” suspending public transit and canceling school for Monday, February 23.
What’s Next: A Power Vacuum?
Security analysts warn that the “decapitation” of the CJNG may lead to an explosion of internal power struggles. While the death of El Mencho is a massive victory for President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration and the US DEA, the immediate concern remains the safety of civilians as the cartel attempts to demonstrate it is still a dominant force.