CJNG Gunmen Torch Guadalajara Gas Station in Revenge for El Mencho's Death

 

Así queman una gasolinera en Guadalajara sicarios del CJNG, con armas largas, en respuesta al abatimiento de su líder “El Mencho”. pic.twitter.com/LVv7PPiivj

— Carlos Loret de Mola (@CarlosLoret) February 22, 2026

The X post by Carlos Loret de Mola (a well-known Mexican journalist) from February 22, 2026, shows video footage of suspected CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel) gunmen attacking and setting fire to a gas station in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.In the post, he describes it as a retaliation for the killing of their leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as "El Mencho".Key details from the event:Earlier that day (February 22, 2026), Mexican army special forces conducted a major operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, targeting El Mencho.

During the raid, he was seriously wounded in a shootout, along with other cartel members. He died shortly afterward during an air transfer to Mexico City (some reports say four cartel members died on site, with three more — including El Mencho — dying en route).

This was confirmed by Mexico's Ministry of Defense and widely reported by international outlets like Reuters, NPR, BBC, AP, and others.

El Mencho had long been one of the world's most wanted drug lords, leading the powerful CJNG (designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. in recent years), with a $15 million U.S. reward on his head.

In response to his death, the CJNG launched widespread retaliatory violence across Jalisco (especially around Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta), including:Setting fire to gas stations (like the one in the video), vehicles, buses, shops, and other targets.

Road blockades ("narcobloqueos").

Shootings and chaos near locations like Guadalajara International Airport.

The attacks appeared designed to disrupt movement and demonstrate force, though many were short-lived or ineffective (some social media reactions mocked the poor execution of the gas station burning, lasting only about 27 seconds in one clip).

The post and replies reflect shock, dark humor, criticism of past governments, and concern about escalating violence in the region following the high-profile takedown.This marks a major turning point in Mexico's fight against cartels, as El Mencho was the head of what many considered the country's most violent and fastest-growing criminal organization.