A wave of terror gripped Guadalajara, Mexico, on Sunday as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) unleashed a brazen attack on the city’s international airport. The assault, a furious response to reports of their leader, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes’s death, plunged the bustling travel hub into chaos and sparked widespread panic.
Videos quickly surfaced, painting a harrowing picture of the unfolding events. Passengers and airport staff were seen sprinting for safety, abandoning their belongings as reports of gunfire echoed through the terminal. The scenes captured a desperate scramble for survival, a stark illustration of the cartel’s ruthless power.
The violence erupted just hours after Mexican authorities announced the successful elimination of El Mencho in a targeted operation, reportedly aided by U.S. forces. This confirmation ignited a retaliatory firestorm, extending beyond the airport and engulfing the wider Guadalajara metropolitan area.
The attacks weren’t confined to the airport itself. Reports indicated armed confrontations both inside and outside the terminal, prompting a massive security response. Burned vehicles blocked roadways, and attacks targeted pharmacies, convenience stores, and even government buildings, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.
The popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta also fell under siege. Explosions and plumes of smoke rose over the city as the cartel allegedly seized control of key hotel areas, turning a vacation paradise into a potential battleground. The situation quickly escalated, resembling a full-blown conflict.
Authorities in Jalisco state activated a “Código Rojo” – a Red Code alert – signifying the highest level of security threat. This drastic measure underscored the severity of the crisis and the immediate danger facing residents and visitors alike.
El Mencho, one of the world’s most wanted drug lords with a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head, commanded a cartel notorious for its paramilitary tactics. The CJNG’s arsenal includes drones and even rocket-propelled grenades, earning them designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government.
While the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara had yet to issue a formal advisory, expatriate communities urged residents to shelter in place, recognizing the escalating danger. The situation remains fluid and volatile, with the full extent of the cartel’s retaliation still unfolding.
The attacks represent a dramatic escalation in the ongoing struggle against Mexico’s powerful drug cartels, and a chilling demonstration of their willingness to inflict violence in response to perceived threats. The immediate future remains uncertain as authorities work to regain control and restore order amidst the chaos.
