UPDATED: CJNG Cartel Unleashes Chaos at Guadalajara Airport and in Puerto Vallarta After Leader ‘El Mencho’ Killed in Military Raid – Reports of American Tourists Taken Hostage
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. intelligence assistance.
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.