Scary new videos have shown horrifying scenes as terrified travellers ran for cover at one of Mexico’s busiest airports following deadly violence.
The chaos unfolded at Guadalajara International Airport on Sunday as suspected drug gang members launched attacks in response to a major security operation carried out on February 22.
According to BBC, the unrest followed the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, CJNG.
The operation took place in the town of Tapalpa and involved Mexico’s elite military units working alongside American intelligence agents. Authorities were targeting Oseguera, who had a 15 million dollar bounty, about Sh1,934,250,000, on his head.
During an intense gun battle, he was seriously wounded and later died from his injuries while being airlifted to Mexico City.
They are doing some serious Damage: pic.twitter.com/laf5Mnv61z
— VOICE FOR JUSTICE (@OfVoice8691) February 23, 2026
Four other CJNG members were killed during the operation, while three army officers were injured. Two suspects were arrested, and security forces recovered armoured vehicles and a cache of weapons.
Since then, multiple reports have emerged of gunmen burning cars, blocking highways and intimidating residents. According to Al Jazeera, the violence spread across several states, including Jalisco, Colima, Michoacan, Nayarit, Guanajuato and Tamaulipas.
Footage of panicked passengers fleeing the airport prompted Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus to urge residents to stay indoors and avoid public transport. Schools were closed as authorities sought to contain the situation.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X, “There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states. In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.”
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau told Al Jazeera, “This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world.”
The 59 year old Oseguera was among the most powerful cartel leaders in Mexico. His death places him alongside notorious figures such as El Chapo and Ismael Zambada, who are both currently in custody in the United States.