American tourist caught at Guadalajara airport? Mexican embassy responds after El Mencho killing
As reports of a shooting at Guadalajara International Airport emerged on Sunday, the Mexican Embassy in Washington issued an emergency fact check. Hours earlier, officials confirmed that the military had wounded Nemesio Oseguera, 59, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel. He died en route to Mexico City. El Mencho’s death sparked widespread violence across Mexico, with horrific videos emerging from Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Tapalpa.
The military said the raid was carried out following “additional information” provided by U.S. authorities. In addition to Oseguera, six cartel suspects were killed and three soldiers were wounded. Two cartel suspects were arrested and a variety of weapons seized, including rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed the operation and called Oseguera “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug lords”.
“This is a great development for Mexico, the United States, Latin America and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys,” he added.
“American Hostages at Guadalajara Airport”
Meanwhile, conservative commentator Laura Loomer posted a video on social media claiming Americans were attacked at Guadalajara airport.
“After the United States today eliminated one of the top leaders of a Mexican drug cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) retaliated by sending armed gunmen to attack the Guadalajara airport. They are now holding American tourists hostage on nearby highways and hotels,” she said on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.
The Mexican Embassy responded quickly.
“This article is false. The military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, aimed at capturing Ruben “N” (alias “Mencho”), was planned and executed by Mexican special forces. The operation was carried out within the framework of bilateral cooperation, with supplementary intelligence provided by the US authorities. The Mexican National Guard and Army units are currently strengthening security in Jalisco and neighboring countries to maintain order,” it noted.
Loomer responded by saying the embassy was attacking her. “This is actually not fake news! There are numerous local reports of drug cartels threatening to attack hotels if their demands are not met by 5pm. They have also attacked airports. How about you show more gratitude to US Special Forces… You act like Mexico would do this without US support. Come on. Everyone knows the cartels run @Claudiashein! Mexico is a failed state. Mexicans should kiss President Trump’s ass! Who runs this account???”
