Videos: Cities burn, airport stormed in Mexico after drug boss El Mencho killed

According to Mexican security officials, cartel operatives set up more than 250 burning roadblocks across at least 20 states on Sunday, paralysing transport corridors and forcing residents indoors as smoke plumes rose over multiple cities in the aftermath of El Mencho's killing. 

A wave of coordinated cartel violence has erupted across Mexico after reports confirmed the death of notorious drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, with gunmen torching vehicles, blocking highways and triggering panic at a major airport in scenes authorities described as a nationwide retaliation.

Oseguera, 60 — the elusive leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel — died in custody after being wounded during a Mexican special forces operation in the Pacific coastal town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state, Mexico’s defence ministry said.

According to security officials, cartel operatives set up more than 250 burning roadblocks across at least 20 states on Sunday, paralysing transport corridors and forcing residents indoors as smoke plumes rose over multiple cities.

In the Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta, tourists posted videos of black smoke engulfing the bay and crowds running through the airport after gunfire fears spread.

Major airlines including Air Canada, United, Aeromexico and American Airlines suspended flights, citing an “ongoing security situation.”

Violence also choked roads in Guadalajara — Mexico’s second-largest city and a planned World Cup host — where burning vehicles and shuttered businesses turned neighbourhoods into a virtual ghost town.