The Killing of 'El Mencho' Plunges Mexico into Chaos. Foreign Ministry Advises Against Travel

Early Sunday morning, the Mexican army, supported by U.S. intelligence, conducted a successful operation to eliminate Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known by the alias 'El Mencho'. The death of the ruthless leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel triggered a violent, calculated retaliatory response from his subordinates. A wave of coordinated attacks swept through the western, most volatile regions, including mass arson of commercial outlets, daylight shootings, and paralyzing main communication routes with burning vehicle wrecks. In response to the security collapse, Mexico's Secretary of National Defense, Ricardo Trevilla, announced the immediate deployment of hundreds of commandos. 9 500 — soldiers are currently pacifying the riots in western Mexico Mexico's federal war against drug cartels formally began in 2006 at the urging of then-President Felipe Calderón. Since then, the armed confrontation has claimed thousands of lives, and the removal of key criminal leaders has almost always triggered brutal succession battles between the remaining free factions, which in turn has repeatedly increased local mortality. The brutal riots instantly halted the local economy and the tourism sector. In tourist resorts, especially in the Puerto Vallarta region, strict restrictions were imposed, urging citizens to refrain from leaving their accommodations. Most airlines, including Air Canada and United Airlines, have blocked numerous routes to Pacific resorts. The press spokesman for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maciej Wewiór, strongly discouraged travelers from visiting the chaos-ridden country. He also appealed to stranded tourists to register in the dedicated government Odysseus system, which helps organize support. The standstill also affected popular culture – numerous musical performances were canceled, including a planned concert by singer Kali Uchis. Security Crisis Timeline: February 22 — Death of the Boss; February 23 — General Warning; February 24 — Army Mobilization Widespread street fighting has caused a huge uproar in the international sports arena. Mexico, preparing to co-host the prestigious 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently appears as ground unfit for hosting elites. Sports officials and international observers express growing concern about the situation in Mexico, pointing to challenges for the prevention system ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Sports officials fear for the logistics and security of the World Cup stands. „Wenn ich ehrlich bin, aktuell nicht.” — Andreas Rettig The effects of the armed rebellion are also impacting Polish tennis representatives. Magda Linette and Magdalena Fręch continue their matches in the international WTA circuit in the city of Mérida. Although the southeastern resort is not experiencing the full extent of gang violence, the entire tournament apparatus is being kept in nervous isolation. The local press does not hesitate to use terms referring to rising collective madness to describe the current wave of terror.

Perspektywy mediów: Focuses attention on the suffering of terrified citizens and the drastic consequences of state militarization for daily life. Praise the effectiveness of the military intervention and the investigative alliance in dealing a severe blow to drug infrastructure.