Panicked air travellers ran for their lives at Guadalajara International Airport on Sunday as cartel violence erupted in one of Mexico’s busiest travel hubs.
Footage shared on X showed dozens of passengers carrying luggage rushing through doors, while others hid behind counters for safety. Armed men were seen opening fire inside the airport building.
Terror spread after alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) reportedly stormed the airport. The cartel people reportedlyburned cars and buses.
Footage captured inside the Guadalajara International Airport in Mexico shows people running for their lives as armed men open fire on Sunday (22 February).Terror gripped the airport after alleged Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) members reportedly stormed the building.…pic.twitter.com/p9etuWD9Z4
— The Independent (@Independent)February 22, 2026
The unrest also hit the popular Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta and other parts of the state of Jalisco. The violence followed a Mexican army operation that resulted in the killing of the cartel’s leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho."
Oseguera Cervantes, 53, headed the violent CJNG and was under indictment in the United States for drug trafficking. A $15 million bounty had been placed on him.
Puerto Vallarta burns as dozens of Oxxo shops and businesses are torched in escalating cartel violence#Europostpic.twitter.com/BnOmM4nluf— EuroPost Agency (@EuroPostAgency)February 22, 2026
Puerto Vallarta saw dozens of Oxxo shops and other businesses set on fire as violence escalated.
Mexico insists all is calm and no one is in danger after authorities took out a major cartel leader today.Video tells a different story: these tourists (many American) watch the chaos unfold from their hotel as the gang retaliates.This is what we need to keep out of the USA.pic.twitter.com/iUe4K36DKu
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
