A wave of terror descended upon 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 elimination, plunged the bustling 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 operation against El Mencho, reportedly conducted with assistance from the United States. This confirmation ignited a retaliatory firestorm, extending beyond the airport and engulfing the surrounding region in unrest.
Eyewitness accounts described a coordinated assault, with armed cartel members targeting not only the airport but also key infrastructure throughout Guadalajara’s metropolitan area. Burned vehicles blocked roadways, and attacks were reported on pharmacies, convenience stores, and government buildings, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.
The popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta was also caught in the crossfire. Explosions and plumes of smoke rose above the city, with reports suggesting the cartel had established control over vital hotel areas, trapping tourists and residents alike. The situation quickly escalated, resembling a city under siege.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Jalisco state government activated a “Código Rojo” – a Red Code alert – signifying the highest level of security threat. This drastic measure underscored the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a coordinated response.
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 RPGs, earning them designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government under the Kingpin Act.
This designation allows American forces to treat CJNG members as combatants, a significant shift in strategy reflecting the cartel’s escalating threat. The U.S. State Department swiftly issued a security alert, urging American citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon states to shelter in place.
The alert emphasized the need to avoid areas with law enforcement activity, remain vigilant, and minimize unnecessary movement. Citizens were instructed to monitor local media, follow the guidance of local authorities, and keep loved ones informed of their whereabouts. The message was clear: the situation was volatile and demanded extreme caution.
As darkness fell, the full extent of the damage and the number of casualties remained unclear. The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with authorities scrambling to regain control and restore order amidst the chaos. The attack serves as a chilling reminder of the power and reach of Mexican drug cartels and the devastating consequences of their violent struggle for dominance.
