Chaos Erupts In Mexico As Drug Leader Killed (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images)
A Costco was set on fire in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Sunday (February 22).
The attack occurred as unrest spreads through the state of Jalisco following a large-scale security operation. According to local media, suspected organized crime groups were responsible for igniting the blaze at the retail store and torching vehicles in its parking lot.
Reports indicate that more than 10 cars were set on fire, with thick plumes of black smoke visible across parts of the coastal city. Vehicles were reportedly burned in several other locations, suggesting a coordinated response to federal security forces operating in the region.
Authorities were deployed to contain the violence and restore order. No immediate details were released regarding casualties or arrests linked directly to the arson attack.
Mexico’s Most Wanted Drug Leader Killed
The unrest followed confirmation from authorities of a major operation carried out in Tapalpa, where officials said Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” was killed. He was identified as the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal groups.
The operation comes amid mounting pressure from President Donald Trump to escalate efforts against powerful drug cartels. The cartel has been identified by U.S. authorities as a key trafficker of fentanyl into the United States.
“El Mencho” carried a $15 million U.S. bounty and consolidated his influence after the capture of Joaquín Guzmán, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.
I’ve just been informed that Mexican security forces have killed “El Mencho,” one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins. This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys./Los buenos somos más que…
— Christopher Landau (@DeputySecState) February 22, 2026
Tourists Ordered To Shelter In Place
Tourists visiting Puerto Vallarta have been told not to leave their resort for any reason, Fox News reports.
The United States Department of State later issued a travel alert for several areas of Mexico, including Chapala, and Guadalajara. The department advised U.S. citizens to shelter in place until further notice because of “ongoing security operations,” roadblocks, and related criminal activity.
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
Video footage shared on social media revealed scenes of panic at Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports. Travelers could be seen abandoning their luggage and rushing through terminals to take cover behind chairs and check-in counters.
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