1 / 9Military Operation in Jalisco | Mexican soldiers killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a shoot-out in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about two hours from Guadalajara. According to Mexico’s Defense Department, troops came under fire during the operation. Four people were killed at the scene, and three others, including Oseguera, later died of their injuries while being flown to Mexico City. The US government had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest. In February 2025, the Trump administration designated the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organisation. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 9Roadblocks and Burning Vehicles Across 20 States | Cartel members responded by blocking roads and setting vehicles ablaze across more than 20 states, the AP reported. Authorities later said over 250 roadblocks were reported nationwide. By late Sunday, officials announced that most blockades had been cleared. However, fear remained high in several regions. (Image: AP)
3 / 9Guadalajara Shuts Down | Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco and Mexico’s second-largest city, was nearly shut down. Residents stayed indoors as gunfire and road closures disrupted normal life. Schools were cancelled in multiple states. Local and foreign governments advised citizens to remain inside. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 9Airport Panic and Suspended Flights | At Guadalajara’s international airport, operations were limited due to staff shortages and security concerns. Most flights into the city were suspended on Sunday. Passengers arriving late at night described fear and confusion. Earlier in the day, videos showed travellers running and ducking for cover inside the terminal. Jacinta Murcia, a 64-year-old vendor, told reporters she was afraid to leave the airport due to possible blockades or curfews. “I’m scared of everything,” she said, adding that her children were tracking her location as she tried to reach home. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 9Smoke Over Tourist Beaches | Videos circulating on social media showed tourists walking along the beach in Puerto Vallarta while smoke rose in the distance. The contrast between holiday scenes and nearby violence highlighted the sudden impact of the military operation on daily life. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 9Casualties and Security Losses | Authorities in Jalisco, Michoacan and Guanajuato reported at least 14 additional deaths on Sunday, including seven National Guard troops. The CJNG has been known for aggressive attacks on security forces. The group has previously targeted helicopters, used explosives dropped from drones and planted land mines. In 2020, it carried out a high-profile assassination attempt in Mexico City against then police chief Omar García Harfuch, using grenades and high-powered rifles. (Image: AP)
7 / 9US-Mexico Cooperation in Focus | The White House confirmed the United States provided intelligence support for the operation. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said “El Mencho” was a top target for both countries and praised Mexico’s military. US President Donald Trump has pressed Mexico to step up action against fentanyl trafficking. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm and said security forces are continuing operations. Analyst David Mora of the International Crisis Group said the killing could ease US pressure but may also trigger more violence as rival groups try to expand their control. (Image: AP)
8 / 9India Issues Advisory for Nationals | Following the violence, the Embassy of India in Mexico issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to shelter in place. The embassy asked Indians in Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas (Reynosa and other areas), Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon to avoid unnecessary movement. The advisory instructed citizens to avoid law enforcement activity, stay away from crowds, monitor local media, and call 911 in emergencies. It also urged them to keep family and friends informed about their safety. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 9What Happens Next? | The death of one of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers is a major blow to the CJNG, which began operating around 2009 and grew into one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organisations. However, President Sheinbaum has previously criticised the “kingpin” strategy used by past administrations, arguing that removing cartel leaders often leads to fragmentation and spikes in violence. As security operations continue, many residents remain indoors, waiting to see how the cartel and rival groups respond in the coming days. (Image: Reuters)
