GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco and Mexico’s second-largest city, was largely paralyzed on Sunday after a wave of cartel-linked violence triggered fear, flight disruptions and a heavy security response in western and central Mexico. The unrest followed the reported killing of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in a military operation, according to Reuters.
At Guadalajara’s international airport, operations continued only with reduced personnel late Sunday, while many flights were suspended earlier in the day as panic spread through terminals. Reuters images and reporting showed passengers scrambling for cover during the violence and long lines forming the next day as travelers checked flight status. Among stranded passengers was Jacinta Murcia, a 64-year-old vendor, who described fear and uncertainty as she tried to find transport home after dark. Reuters reported that travelers arriving Sunday night worried about road blockades, possible curfews and more attacks, with some choosing to move in groups for safety.
Authorities in Jalisco, Michoacán and Guanajuato reported at least 14 additional deaths linked to the violence, including seven National Guard troops, according to Reuters. Social media videos reviewed by news outlets showed smoke rising in tourist areas, including Puerto Vallarta, while highways and streets were blocked with burning vehicles in multiple states. Analysts say the violence could mark a turning point for President Claudia Sheinbaum’s security strategy, which has taken a more confrontational military posture against organized crime than her predecessor, according to reporting summarized in multiple outlets. Reuters described the operation as one of Mexico’s most significant cartel takedowns in years and noted it was backed by U.S. intelligence.
The episode also comes amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has demanded tougher Mexican action against fentanyl trafficking and warned of tariffs or possible unilateral action if Mexico does not produce results. Reuters reported early signs of U.S. approval after the operation, with Ambassador Ron Johnson praising Mexican forces and calling bilateral cooperation “unprecedented.”
Still, security analysts warn that the death of a dominant cartel leader can trigger fresh instability as rival groups and internal factions compete for territory. Reuters noted similar patterns after previous high-profile cartel arrests, raising concern that the blow to CJNG could lead to a broader struggle for control in western Mexico. For residents of Guadalajara and surrounding states, Sunday’s shutdown was a reminder that even major urban and tourist hubs can be quickly engulfed when cartel violence surges.
