Tourists trapped in Puerto Vallarta recount cartel retaliation after El Mencho killed

Fox News - WorldEN 4 min read 100% complete by Bonny ChuFebruary 23, 2026 at 10:07 AM

AI Summary

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Following reports of cartel leader El Mencho's death, American tourists in Puerto Vallarta found themselves caught in cartel retaliation. Flights were canceled and shelter-in-place orders issued as visitors reported violence, including cars set ablaze and roads blocked. One tourist, Eugene Marchenko, witnessed the burning of multiple vehicles near his Airbnb and was forced to evacuate. He also observed ransacked stores and looting in the aftermath. Public transportation was suspended, leaving tourists unsure how to reach the airport even if flights resumed. The events unfolded after reports emerged of El Mencho's death in a Mexican military operation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

CJNG 40% Charleston, South Carolina 40% United States 40% Mexican armed forces 50% Fox News Digital ×260% Eugene Marchenko ×570% Mexico 70% Puerto Vallarta ×280% Nemesio Oseguera (El Mencho) ×390%

Keywords

cartel retaliation 90% puerto vallarta 80% el mencho 70% drug cartel 70% violence 60% tourists trapped 60% shelter-in-place 50% looting 50% organized crime 40%