The tropical paradise of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, turned into a war zone overnight. Violence erupted throughout the city following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as 'El Mencho,' during a Mexican military operation on Sunday, 22 February. Armed clashed, burning vehicles and roadblocks paralysed the city, leaving tourists stranded and forced to shelter in place.
As Mexico's third most-visited city, Puerto Vallarta was packed with travellers when the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) retaliated. Chilling videos circulating online show guests taking shelter on hotel rooftops, watching helplessly as the conflict between the government and the cartel unfolded before their eyes — black smoke rising across the skyline to choke the coastal horizon.
Viral Clip Shows Tourists Sheltering on Rooftops
In a viral clip circulating on X posted by YEGWAVE (@yegwave), tourists in a hotel are seen taking shelter in the rooftop, watching as thick smoke chokes Puerto Vallarta's skyline. Guests in neighbouring hotels were also seen gathering on rooftops, warned not to leave their hotel as government officials warned about the 'conflict' happening in the area.
YEGWAVE (@yegwave) captioned the video: 'We have received exclusive footage from Edmontonians sheltering in a hotel showing the situation in Puerto Vallarta, where the cartel is reportedly taking the city hostage. WestJet & Air Canada flights have been cancelled.'
The same account later posted a video from inside the airport, showing stranded passengers as conflict intensified. They wrote: 'Edmontonians are stranded in Puerto Vallarta after cartel violence erupted following reports that Mexican forces killed alleged cartel leader El Mencho.'
'The Government of Canada has issued a shelter-in-place advisory as roadblocks, burning vehicles, and armed clashes have been reported across the city,' they added.
Other videos online showed what the conflict looked like on the ground. Journalist Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) posted a video of a burning Costco in Mexico.
BREAKING: 🇲🇽 Edmontonians are stranded in Puerto Vallarta after cartel violence erupted following reports that Mexican forces killed alleged cartel leader El Mencho.
— YEGWAVE (@yegwave) February 22, 2026
The Government of Canada has issued a shelter-in-place advisory as roadblocks, burning vehicles, and armed… pic.twitter.com/eKEKZbhCJ7
🚨 BREAKING: Mexican cartels are now ATTACKING civilian buildings in Mexico after a Mexico/US mission kiIIed a cartel leader in the country
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 22, 2026
These are literal TERRORISTS, and they should be treated as such! pic.twitter.com/z7hEAjiF7r
Death of 'El Mencho' Triggers Conflict
The death of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, has triggered the conflict in the western part of Mexico and widespread security concerns throughout the region. He was wounded in the operation and died while being flown to Mexico City.
The cartel boss, long considered Mexico's most wanted criminal, had a $15 million (approximately £12 million) bounty on his head from the United States. His organisation trafficked fentanyl and other drugs across the border, fuelling a deadly trade.
Mexico's Ministry of Defense confirmed El Mencho's death in a statement on X. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also confirmed El Mencho's death in a post on X — describing him as 'one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.'
He added, 'This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys.'
In the hours after El Mencho's death, CJNG members launched coordinated attacks across Jalisco and neighbouring states, including Puerto Vallarta. They set up roadblocks and burned vehicles, tactics commonly used by cartels to hinder military operations.
