25 February 2026
Drone footage revealed smoke in Puerto Vallarta after cartel soldiers set businesses and vehicles on fire and disrupted highway traffic in retaliation for the killing of drug lord “El Mencho," boss of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC).
El Mencho, whose real name was Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, died in custody on February 22, after a battle between Mexican special forces and his bodyguards. He succumbed from injuries while en route to Mexico City from Tapalpa.
Cartel commandos unleashed a reign of terror upon hearing of their leader's death, killing approximately 25 members of the Mexican National Guard (a high-ranking cartel member allegedly offered $1,000 for every soldier killed) and spreading destruction across towns and cities where the cartel is active.
Tourist destinations, such as Puerto Vallarta were not spared, as drone footage from the beach resort reveals.
See the Fires
