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Wave of Cartel Retaliation Rocks Jalisco State – Puerto Vallarta on Fire

Redding Residents Tyler & Joelle Clifford Sheltering in Place in Puerto Vallarta


February 23, 2026 – 2:00 PM PST – Fresh updates confirm the assassination of CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes has unleashed one of the most violent cartel reprisals in recent Mexican history. Burned vehicles, road blockades, and fierce gunbattles continue to disrupt Guadalajara and the tourist haven of Puerto Vallarta, with the confirmed death toll now standing at at least 73.



The Precipitating Event - Mexican special forces, backed by U.S. intelligence, killed El Mencho during a raid on a rural compound in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on February 22. He was tracked via a romantic partner’s visit. The operation ended in a heavy firefight; El Mencho died en route to medical care.


Outbreak of Violence - CJNG gunmen immediately launched coordinated attacks: torching buses, cars, and businesses; setting up burning roadblocks; and ambushing security forces. Puerto Vallarta saw fires at malls, gas stations, and along coastal roads, while Guadalajara’s metro area reported dozens of blockades and eerily empty streets.


Casualties of Cartel Violence – Updated Toll -The retaliation has been devastating. Mexican authorities and international outlets (AP, CBS, Al Jazeera) now report at least 73 deaths nationwide from the raid itself and the cartel backlash:

  • At least 25 Mexican National Guard troops killed in six separate ambushes and clashes in Jalisco.

  • Additional security forces (state police, prosecutors, prison guards) among the dead.

  • Civilians caught in crossfire, including at least one woman and bystanders near blockades.

  • Dozens of CJNG gunmen killed: 8 in the initial Tapalpa raid, plus an estimated 30–40 more in follow-up confrontations with federal forces.

Hundreds more have been injured. Hospitals in both cities remain on maximum alert, and the toll is expected to climb as authorities clear remaining hotspots and recover bodies.


Mexican Government Response - President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that “order is being restored” and praised the intelligence-led operation. Over 2,500 additional troops were rushed to Jalisco overnight. Blockades are being systematically cleared, arrests made, and schools/non-essential activities suspended under a statewide “Code Red.”


Advice to U.S. Citizens - The U.S. State Department and Embassy urge:

  • Shelter in place in Jalisco (Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Chapala).

  • Avoid all travel and law-enforcement activity zones.

  • Monitor @CAPUFE and local authorities for road updates.

  • Emergency: Mexican 911 or U.S. Embassy +1-888-407-4747 / +1-202-501-4444.

  • Contact airlines directly; many flights remain canceled or delayed.


Current Status & Airports (as of 2:00 PM PST, Feb 23) Violence has eased in many neighborhoods thanks to the troop surge, but sporadic incidents continue. Guadalajara is “slowly normalizing” yet remains quiet. Puerto Vallarta is still heavily disrupted.


Airports:

  • Guadalajara (GDL) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) are open but operating under heavy military guard.

  • Major carriers (American, Delta, United, Southwest, Air Canada, WestJet) have canceled or drastically reduced flights to PVR; GDL services are limited.

  • Roads to terminals have been cleared of most blockades, but travelers report long delays and chaos.

  • Stranded tourists are sheltering in terminals or hotels; many are rebooking through Mexico City or Cancún.

Analysts warn of possible further flare-ups as CJNG factions regroup, but federal forces currently hold the upper hand. The situation remains fluid—U.S. and Canadian citizens should delay non-essential travel to Jalisco until an official all-clear is issued.


Video Footage (Graphic Content Warning)

This rapidly evolving crisis highlights the high cost of targeting top cartel leadership. Monitor official sources and stay safe.


SHASTA UNFILTERED has received word that Redding resident Tyler Clifford and his wife, Joelle, are currently in Puerto Vallarta.  We know they are sheltering in place, waiting for the order to be restored and for the airport to reopen.  Currently, their most serious challenge is arranging transportation to the airport, because so many taxis and buses were destroyed by Cartel gunmen, and so many tourists are facing the same challenge.  We kindly ask everyone who sees this article to please take a moment to pray for the safe return of Tyler and Joelle and all of the tourists facing similar circumstances.


Sources:

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