Buildings Destroyed, Flights Cancelled in Mexico
Last update: February 23, 2026
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Mexico’s fourth largest city sees violence after drug lord killing...
Chaos gripped Mexican fourth-largest city, Puebla de Zaragoza, on Monday February 23, 2026.
This followed violence which rose after the death of Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) leader Nemesio Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho'.
Footage showed wreckage in the city streets, with a string of damaged houses.
“About an hour and a half ago, an alleged criminal group, the one with the 'four letters' (CJNG), showed up here this afternoon to commit acts of vandalism with Molotov cocktails. Well, thank God there were no victims, no injuries,” Mayor of Onyx Security Corporation Eduardo stated.
“Everything happened so fast, it just happened,” an eyewitness shared. “We didn't see who it was or anything, we didn't check, I mean, I just saw that it was catching fire and I got out fast and yelled to my brothers, 'The bank is burning!', and then, well, I just grabbed a bucket of water and threw it on it.”
Due to the precarious security situation, transportation services on some routes were temporarily suspended for user's safety.
Several travellers were trapped for hours without a place to stay or access to medical care.
“I've been here three hours, and I'm heading to Mexico City, and well, yes, it affects me a lot because of the issue that I have a prosthesis in my leg, and I can't be standing for so long,” a traveller commented.
“There isn't even staff here designated to attend to senior citizens. Everyone is distracted, everyone is doing their own thing, and well, here, frankly, everyone has to fend for themselves,” she added.
The Government of the State of Puebla activated security protocols, after the cartel violence surge across the region.
It deployed military personnel and urged citizens to remain calm and report any risky situations.
Mexican authorities reported over 250 cartel-led blockades across 20 states. The unrest was unleashed after the federal operation, which took place in Tapalpa, Jalisco, left seven suspected CJNG members dead, including 'El Mencho'.
