Chaos erupted at Guadalajara International Airport on 22 February 2026, as armed members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) carried out attacks in retaliation for the death of their leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known asEl Mencho.

Among those caught in the turmoil was beauty influencer Yasmin Maya, known online as @beautyybird, who was travelling with her grandmother. She documented the unfolding horror in a TikTok video, describing the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty amid sounds of distant gunfire and rising smoke. Her account, shared with thousands of followers, underscored the vulnerability of ordinary passengers suddenly trapped incartel violence.

The Mexican army confirmed thedeath of El Menchoduring a raid inTapalpa, Jalisco, on 22 February. He was wounded during the attempt to capture him and later died while being transported to Mexico City. Officials reported that seven cartel members were killed in total, while three soldiers were injured. Two suspects were detained, and the military seized armoured vehicles, rocket launchers, and other weapons.

El Mencho had long been one of Mexico's most wanted men, with the US State Departmentoffering a bountyof £11.1 million ($15 million) for information leading to his arrest or conviction. Under his command, the CJNG grew into one of Mexico's most powerful and violent cartels, pioneering the use ofdrone-delivered explosivesand launching attacks on military helicopters.

Within hours of El Mencho's death, CJNG operatives set up over 20 blockades across the Guadalajara metropolitan area by burning vehicles and disrupting traffic.At the airport, gunmen attacked the outside areas, causing passengers inside to flee in panic and seek cover.

🇲🇽 BREAKING: Chaos at Guadalajara Airport.Cartel forces reportedly seize control in retaliation for the killing of El Mencho Mexico’s security crisis just escalated.#Mexicopic.twitter.com/zvQPdeYAJi

Social media footage showed smoke overPuerto Vallartaand frantic scenes at Guadalajara airport. A Texas tourist who managed to board the last flight out of Puerto Vallarta described hearing reports of another plane being attacked and the Guadalajara airport being under siege.

Mexican beauty influencer Yasmin Maya, known online as @beautyybird, who was at the airport with her grandmother, documented the horror in aTikTok video. In clips circulating online, she described the fear and uncertainty as gunfire erupted and passengers scrambled for cover.

2/22 1130 - MEXICAN GRWM CREATOR @beautyybird REPORTS FROM GUADALAJARA MEXICO AIRPORT#NEWS#guadalajara#MEXICO#JALISCO#CARTEL

The violence resulted in additional casualties, including National Guard members and a state prosecutor's agent. Heavy equipment was used to dig up roads, further disrupting movement across the region.

Source: International Business Times UK