Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) stormed Guadalajara International Airport on Sunday in apparent retaliation for the death of their notorious leader, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes.
The attack has led to widespread panic, with videos showing passengers and airport staff fleeing for cover amid reports of gunfire and armed confrontations.
The violence comes just hours after Mexican authorities confirmed El Mencho’s elimination in a targeted operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, reportedly conducted with U.S. assistance.
Chaos reported at Guadalajara International Airport in Jalisco after suspected CJNG cartel attacks outside and possibly inside the airport, allegedly in retaliation to reports of leader El Mencho’s elimination, triggering heavy security response. https://t.co/8VQQVyvFFo pic.twitter.com/7Dl8OVMX44
— BigBreakingWire (@BigBreakingWire) February 22, 2026
Guadalajara is one of Mexico’s busiest airports.
Eyewitness videos captured scenes of terror.
One clip, shared by investigative journalist Laura Loomer on X, shows airport workers in high-visibility vests and passengers running from what appears to be an underground or tarmac area.
“After the US eliminated a top Cartel leader in Mexico today, Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has retaliated by storming the Guadalajara Airport with armed gunmen. They are now taking American tourists hostage at nearby highways and hotels,” Loomer wrote.
WATCH:
BREAKING:
After the US eliminated a top Cartel leader in Mexico today, Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has retaliated by storming the Guadalajara Airport with armed gunmen. They are now taking American tourists hostage at nearby highways and hotels. pic.twitter.com/bKwfhpcalt
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) February 22, 2026
Breaking shots fired in the Guadalajara International Airport: Videos show employees sprinting for cover as reports spread of armed men inside the terminal. #mexico #war pic.twitter.com/oqzLycSCvd
— Donald_Nncim (@Nncim15) February 22, 2026
Additional footage from the scene, including videos of people sprinting across the tarmac and seeking shelter, has flooded social media.
A post from OSINTdefender describes the attacks as occurring both outside and potentially inside the terminal, with heavy security responses underway.
WATCH:
Chaos erupts at Guadalajara International Airport in Jalisco, Mexico, as the CJNG Cartel launches attacks outside and potentially inside the airport, as retaliation for today’s successful elimination of CJNG leader El Mencho. pic.twitter.com/fspjMASWV1
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) February 22, 2026
JUST IN: CJNG cartel has reportedly stormed the Guadalajara Airport in Mexico after the Mexican army killed its leader El Mencho. pic.twitter.com/kAVA1ZUV3v
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) February 22, 2026
Smoke rises from CJNG Cartel attacks and checkpoints across Puerto Vallarta in the Mexican state of Jalisco, following the elimination today of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known more commonly as El Mencho. pic.twitter.com/F4BnaCqh6t
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) February 22, 2026
BREAKING:
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco region in Mexico looks like it’s in a civil war
Violent scenes from Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco region, Mexico, after CJNG launch retaliatory attacks following the elimination of their leader El Mencho. pic.twitter.com/Wol3s4gOma
— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) February 22, 2026
The Jalisco state government has activated a “Código Rojo” (Red Code) alert, signaling a maximum security threat.
Reports indicate there are burned vehicles blocking roads, as well as attacks on pharmacies, convenience stores, and government buildings in Guadalajara’s metropolitan area.
In Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination, explosions and smoke have been reported, with the cartel allegedly maintaining control over key hotel areas.
El Mencho was one of the world’s most wanted drug lords with a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head. The cartel, known for its paramilitary tactics including drone strikes and RPGs, has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. under the Kingpin Act.
This status allows American forces to treat CJNG members as combatants rather than criminals.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has issued a security alert for Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State regarding ongoing operations and violence.
Mexico: Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the following locations should shelter in place until further notice: Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including… pic.twitter.com/mYXVfMSvmT
— TravelGov (@TravelGov) February 22, 2026
“Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice,” the alert stated.
The alert urges Americans in the affected areas to:
Avoid areas around law enforcement activity.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements
Monitor local media for updates.
Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.
Avoid crowds.
Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.
This is a developing story. The Gateway Pundit will continue monitoring the situation as more details emerge.
The post BREAKING: CJNG Cartel Unleashes Chaos at Guadalajara Airport and in Puerto Vallarta After Leader ‘El Mencho’ Killed in US-Assisted Military Raid – Reports of American Tourists Taken Hostage (SHOCKING VIDEOS) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.