'Be aware': Indian embassy issues advisory for nationals in Mexico after powerful drug lord 'El Mencho' killed
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Indian Embassy in Mexico has issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in several regions of the country to remain indoors due to heightened security operations following the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, a top drug lord known as "El Mencho." The Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader was reportedly killed during a clash with Mexican soldiers in Tapalpa, sparking widespread violence across at least five states. The advisory specifically targets areas in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León, where road blockages and criminal activity have been reported.
The operation resulted in the deaths of six suspected cartel members, including El Mencho, who was later confirmed to have died while being transferred to Mexico City. Three soldiers were injured during the clash, and authorities also seized a significant cache of weapons, including rocket launchers capable of destroying aircraft and armored vehicles. This move has been described as one of the most substantial blows to organized crime in Mexico since the arrests of Joaquín Guzmán and Ismael Zambada García, key figures from the Sinaloa cartel.
Following El Mencho's death, cartel members retaliated with acts of violence, including burning vehicles, blocking highways, and clashing with security forces. This escalation led to widespread chaos and transportation disruptions across multiple states. In response, both the United States Department of State and Canadian authorities have also advised their citizens in affected areas to shelter in place due to safety concerns.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Mexico in its fight against organized crime and the far-reaching impact of such operations on regional stability. For Indian nationals in Mexico, the advisory underscores the importance of staying informed and heeding official instructions during periods of heightened security threats. This incident also serves as a reminder of the global dimensions of drug cartel activities and their implications for international safety and diplomacy.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026