The February 22 killing of infamous drug cartel chief Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes triggered a wave of retaliatory violence throughout Mexico. In response, a number of European governments have issued emergency journey alerts, warning residents to stay vigilant or keep away from non-essential journey to contaminated areas.
The chief of the highly effective Jalisco New Technology Cartel (CJNG) was killed throughout a Mexican army operation in Jalisco state, sparking fast retaliation. Many cities have descended into chaos that’s extra harking back to civil struggle than drug mafia battle. In a minimum of 20 states, suspected cartel members in full army uniform burned vehicles and buses, blocked roads, torched companies and clashed with safety forces. Authorities mentioned greater than 250 blockades had been lifted throughout the nation and greater than 60 individuals have been killed, together with dozens of troopers and cartel gunmen.
Makes an attempt to curb violence in Mexico
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mentioned the army was being despatched to revive order and that “peace, safety and normalcy” have been returning. Extreme unrest has subsided in lots of areas, with airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta largely reopening regardless of earlier cancellations.
Nonetheless, European international ministries are urging warning. The UK’s Overseas, Commonwealth and Growth Workplace (FCDO) up to date its steerage on February 23, warning of significant safety incidents within the state of Jalisco, together with Guadalajara and the favored resort city of Puerto Vallarta, and recommending towards all however important journey to some components of the state. Britons in affected areas ought to decrease their travels, comply with native shelter-in-place orders, keep indoors if instructed to take action, and take excessive warning throughout the nation. Journey by highway between cities solely throughout daytime.
We advocate that you just chorus from non-essential journey to Jalisco.
In case you are at present in Jalisco, please decrease your journey and comply with native shelter-in-place orders.
The newest info on safety incidents throughout Mexico may be present in our journey recommendation – hyperlink beneath pic.twitter.com/vNYrxIPxGG
— FCDO Journey Recommendation (@FCDOtravelGovUK) February 23, 2026
Comparable warnings have been issued by different European governments. Belgium, Italy and France urged their residents to keep away from pointless journey in Jalisco, monitor native media and shelter in place if there may be already a freeway closure or danger of collision. The Belgian embassy has confused the potential for disruption, whereas a variety of EU sources have referred to as for elevated consciousness as a result of impression of the violence on transport and tourism providers.
The Belgian embassy in Mexico has referred to as on vacationers within the Mexican state of Jalisco to keep away from pointless journey following unrest associated to the demise of cartel chief Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, often known as “El Mencho.” https://t.co/PbENyFLytQ#Belgium #Mexico #journey
— Belga Information Agency_English (@Belga_English) February 23, 2026
Violence may return at any time
Common locations reminiscent of Cancun in Quintana Roo state have up to now returned to close normalcy, however violence may flare up once more at any time. Specialists have warned that the instability as a consequence of energy struggles inside the CJNG and conflicts between rival cartels may persist, elevating questions on using some venues for the 2026 World Cup.
Though there isn’t a full nationwide ban, vacationers to Europe, notably western Mexico, are suggested to verify official sources reminiscent of gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico (for the UK) or equal nationwide websites earlier than reserving or departing. Please register for consulate alert methods, keep away from demonstrations and high-risk areas, and carefully comply with native authorities directions. Though the scenario stays fluid, calm has returned to many vacationer locations.