The Situation in Mexico

[Puma]

Feb. 11, 2026Updated 4:18 p.m. ET
The secretary of transportation said the military had neutralized a drug cartel drone. Two officials said testing of counter-drone technology prompted the closure. The F.A.A. initially said it would last 10 days.

During these tests or operations, the military shot down or neutralized several objects, including mylar balloons (metallic party balloons) that were mistaken for drones. Sources such as CBS News, CNN, and The New York Times explicitly mention the "party balloon shoot-down" as part of what contributed to the confusion and temporary closure of the airspace.
​

Fox News first reported that the airborne object was intercepted after raising concerns of a potential drone operating near the southern border. Officials later concluded the object was not an unmanned aircraft but a party balloon, a U.S. official told the outlet

US military shot down party balloon after assessing as drone: Reports

The U.S. military shot down a suspected drone near El Paso that was later identified as a party balloon, prompting a brief FAA airspace closure.

www.newsweek.com

​

FIASCO IN THE US
The US military shot down what it believed to be a foreign drone near El Paso, but it turned out to be a party balloon — Fox News.​

https://twitter.com/x/status/2021646666953355334

Cartel drones would be a good excuse to invade Mexico, but it could also be a cover-up.

 

[Adobe]

VIVA MEXICO!

Mexican humanitarian cargo reaches Cuba amid energy crunch​

"Mexican ships carrying humanitarian aid have docked in Havana, challenging a US blockade"

"The Mexican deliveries arrived on Thursday, two weeks after US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on any country selling or supplying oil to Cuba."

Mexican humanitarian cargo reaches Cuba amid energy crunch

Cubans are grappling with widening blackouts and tighter fuel rationing as the energy crisis deepens

www.rt.com

 

[Puma]

Mexico says no to the Board of Peace​

President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected Mexico's formal integration into the so-called Board of Peace. The main reason Sheinbaum gave during her morning press conference on February 17, 2026, was as follows:

Mexico recognizes Palestine as a sovereign state (a historic position of Mexican foreign policy), and therefore considers it essential that any peace process in the region include the equal participation of both parties: Israel and Palestine. However, the Peace Board's call did not contemplate the inclusion of Palestine on equal terms, which made it incompatible with Mexican principles of multilateralism, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international law.

Sheinbaum emphasized that the Mexican government values any effort toward peace, but in this specific case, the criterion of inclusion was not met. Therefore, Mexico declined to become a full member.

Instead, it agreed to participate only as an observer (without a vote or formal commitments) and sent Mexico's ambassador to the United Nations (Héctor Vasconcelos) in that role to closely monitor the process without compromising the country's position.

● The Cuban Situation

During her press conference on February 13, 2026, Sheinbaum proposed that Mexico serve as an air bridge to facilitate the arrival of humanitarian aid to Cuba, amid a shortage of jet fuel on the island due to the blockade and the energy crisis.

Specifically, she indicated that any aircraft (from international airlines or any other source) could land on Mexican territory to refuel and continue on its route to Cuba, provided that the purpose was to bring support or aid to the island. Aircraft would have to pay for jet fuel.

The Cuban-American community in Miami is pushing for more restrictions, such as the cancellation of export licenses, and analysts suggest that the goal is to force a collapse of the government or negotiations in Cuba.

Trump has described Cuba as a "failed state" and warned that it poses a "humanitarian threat." He has not ruled out military action to overthrow the Cuban government, although he has said he does not believe it is necessary at this time.​

"Cuba faces a humanitarian threat; they have an embargo where there is no oil, no money, and nothing. If an armed intervention were to take place, as in Venezuela, it would not be a very difficult operation, as you can imagine."​

​

Trump called Cuba a 'failed nation', as a continuous oil embargo further cripples the country's flights and airport operations​

https://twitter.com/x/status/2023644832262943101

​

 

[mabar]

Mexican drug lord "El Mencho" killed in military operation, says government source

MEXICO CITY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as 'El Mencho,' has been killed in a military operation, a government source familiar with the operation told Reuters on Sunday.
An ex-police officer, Oseguera was the shadowy leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), an outfit that took its moniker from the western state of the same name that is home to Mexico's second city, Guadalajara.

Over a relatively short period of time, the CJNG morphed into a continents-spanning criminal enterprise rivaling his former allies in the Sinaloa Cartel, the gang of captured kingpin Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, now in a U.S. prison.
The news of Oseguera's death followed a federal security operation in the state of Jalisco's city of Tapalpa, according to a post by governor Pablo Lemus Navarro on X.
After the operation, multiple vehicles were set on fire throughout Jalisco and other states, according to media outlets and officials.
Alfredo Ramirez Bedolla, the governor of the state of Michoacan, wrote on X that he had received reports of state highways being blocked as a result of the operation in Jalisco.

In several parts of the city of Guadalajara and its metropolitan area, as well as several towns in the state of Jalisco, residents are being advised to stay indoors.

There are also similar reports in other states in Mexico.

 

[Debra]

This was just posted on Facebook:

Friends on the ground there say everyone is being told to stay inside. The 200 is closed at las varas with multiple road blocks throughout PV. Shooting, explosions, an a ton of vehicles on fire.

 

[Ca.]

All hell breaks out in Mexico as Jalisco cartel chief ‘El Mencho’ is killed in a Mexican Army operation

https://twitter.com/x/status/2025652708959560079

Jalisco cartel chief 'El Mencho' killed in Mexican Army operation

Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, chief of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed by Mexican forces in Jalisco.

mexiconewsdaily.com

This story is developing and will be updated as we learn more.

Nemesio “El Mencho” Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, founder and top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed by federal forces Sunday morning according to high-ranking officials who confirmed the news to newspaper Milenio.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus shared updates on the operation on X Sunday morning. (X)
The operation was led by the Army and federal forces in Jalisco, specifically in an area controlled by El Mencho.

Officials have reportedly confirmed that “El Mencho” was killed at the scene, meaning he died in the confrontation.

Reports of security operations started circulating this morning in the municipality of Tapalpa, a town located some 90 kilometers south of Guadalajara, the state’s capital. Residents in that area reported overflights and the presence of military convoys, which foreshadowed a large-scale deployment.

Later, road blockades were reported in at least six states: Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato and Aguascalientes.

Videos that circulated on social media showed the burning of vehicles and public buses in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Tapalpa. Residents also reported burnings of pharmacies and convenience stores in different parts of Guanajuato.

In Puerto Vallarta, residents reported that the city was under siege by men on motorcycles and the sound of gunshots.

Authorities are maintaining active operations in several states to contain possible reactions and reinforce security following one of the most significant events in the fight against drug trafficking in recent years.

Who was El Mencho?​

“El Mencho” was considered the top leader of the CJNG, one of the most powerful and violent cartels in Mexico, with a strong presence in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán and other states. He also played a key role in the trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl to the United States.

The U.S. Department of Justice had issued federal charges against him and offered multimillion-dollar rewards for information leading to his capture.

El Mencho’s death opens the door to possible internal reshuffling, succession disputes, and risks of increased violence in territories where the CJNG operates, something that security specialists see as a likely scenario after the fall of such a concentrated leadership.

With reports from Milenio, El Informador, Se Uno Noticias, and El Financiero

 

[Ca.]

Update

2.7M views · 31K reactions | En Vivo: Abaten a Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes "El Mencho" | NMás

En Vivo: Abaten a Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes "El Mencho"

www.facebook.com

https://www.borderlandbeat.com/2026/02/el-mencho-killed-in-army-operation.htm
BorderlandBeat

 

[Puma]

All hell breaks out in Mexico

That's not the case. Everything is focused on Jalisco, which was the territory of drug trafficker Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the supreme leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), so on one hand that's good—it's a significant blow against one of the most powerful structures in the world. A sign of the state's operational capacity to fight the narco as Trump wants. On the other hand, there are reports that CJNG members may have infiltrated the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine (the foreign volunteer unit) with the main objective of training in the advanced use of combat drones (especially FPV and kamikaze/explosive drones), to then apply that knowledge in Mexico. And apparently that is what we are seeing in Jalisco. In fact, it was known that something similar was going to happen once the Mexican government continued sending aid to Cuba and refused to be part of the Board of Peace.

Will the CIA be involved?
​

 

[mabar]

That's not the case. Everything is focused on Jalisco, which was the territory of drug trafficker Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the supreme leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), so on one hand that's good—it's a significant blow against one of the most powerful structures in the world. A sign of the state's operational capacity to fight the narco as Trump wants. On the other hand, there are reports that CJNG members may have infiltrated the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine (the foreign volunteer unit) with the main objective of training in the advanced use of combat drones (especially FPV and kamikaze/explosive drones), to then apply that knowledge in Mexico. And apparently that is what we are seeing in Jalisco. In fact, it was known that something similar was going to happen once the Mexican government continued sending aid to Cuba and refused to be part of the Board of Peace.

Will the CIA be involved?
​

Although, there have been clashes at other Mexican states like Michoacan, Nayarit, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Except for Tamaulipas, the other states border with Jalisco state.

 

[Puma]

Although, there have been clashes at other Mexican states like Michoacan, Nayarit, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Except for Tamaulipas, the other states border with Jalisco state.

In 2018, it was reported that the CJNG had a presence in 22 Mexican states, but also in Central America, Colombia, the US, Europe, and Asia.

In red Mexican states with CJNG presence.​

Its expansive advance is recognized by authorities in other countries. According to U.S. investigations, the faction led by the Michoacán native Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes "El Mencho" has penetrated at least 22 Mexican states, and in the United States has intensified the dispute over trafficking and selling narcotics on its streets. Colombia, for its part, warns of the CJNG's growth in Central America, where it already has operational bases like the Sinaloa Cartel and Los Zetas. Meanwhile, in Asia and Europe, there are indications of its presence as a customer and supplier of drugs. Zeta Tijuana

According to reports from the DEA, InSight Crime, the U.S. Department of State, and Mexican sources updated through 2025–2026 the CJNG operates in 27 of Mexico's 32 states, surpassing the Sinaloa Cartel in reach in several respects.

The CJNG has a presence mainly in the following states that are considered strongholds

●Jalisco: Its origin and main stronghold (hegemonic control over much of the state, including ports like Manzanillo and areas like Tequila).

●Colima and Nayarit: Strong control over Pacific ports and routes.

●Michoacán: Dominance in coastal areas (such as Lázaro Cárdenas), Tierra Caliente.

● Guanajuato: Strong presence in the Bajío, this us a high level of violence due to disputes with others Cartels.

It wouldn't be surprising if violence escalated in Jalisco and its surrounding areas in the coming days.
​

 

[Puma]

The vast majority of the weapons and ammunition used by Mexican cartels come from the United States, according to official data, intelligence reports, and recent seizures.​

According to Grok

● 78% of the 18,000 weapons seized by Mexico so far in this six-year term (as of February 2026) originate from the U.S. (data from the Secretariat of National Defense, Sedena, February 2026)

● In historical ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) tracing, between 70-90% of the weapons recovered in Mexico and traced originate from or pass through the U.S. (including those manufactured there or legally imported)

● In 2025-2026, reports confirm that 74-82% of the weapons trafficked to cartels like CJNG and Sinaloa come from border states: Texas, Arizona, California, and New Mexico (ATF and El Financiero, 2025)

● Almost 47% of the 137,000 .50-caliber cartridges seized since 2012 come from the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (Missouri), a U.S. government-owned facility operated by contractors that supplies the Pentagon and the U.S. Army, but also sells ammunition to the civilian market (New York Times, February 2026; Sedena)

Mexico points to it as a key factor in violence, while the U.S. focuses more on fentanyl and drugs heading north.

You be the judge: the image of the cowboy-like drug trafficker is long gone. Now they use body armor and military-grade equipment.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2025666978208170381

Now imagine what will happen if these guys really trained in Ukraine.
​

 

[Puma]

Statement from President Claudia Sheinbaum

​

The Secretariat of National Defense reported the operation carried out this morning by federal forces, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions.

There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must stay informed and remain calm.

The social media accounts of the Security Cabinet provide information on an ongoing basis. In most of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normalcy.

My recognition to the Mexican Army, the National Guard, the Armed Forces, and the Security Cabinet.

We work every day for the peace, security, justice, and well-being of Mexico.

 

[Ca.]

That's not the case.

According to the State Department, cartel roadblocks have been activated in Tamaulipas, Michoacán, and Puerto Vallarta, as well as in other Mexican municipalities that are showing fallout as reprisals, thus creating chaos and confusion for the local population and non Mexican tourist as well.

At the same time, the United States has heightened security all along the US-Mexico border.

Let's also keep an eye on the Los Angeles area cartel cells (which could be a bit of a stretch), which could possibly be activated due to the unrest concerning ICE activities as a means of possible retaliation on different levels since Trump started the War on Drugs and "illegals" campaign in 2017.

Though I do agree with your assessment that the most dangerous aspects are in the Mexican town of Tapalpa (where “El Mencho” was taken down) in the western state of Jalisco.

 

[Deneb]

According to the State Department, cartel roadblocks have been activated in Tamaulipas, Michoacán, and Puerto Vallarta, as well as in other Mexican municipalities that are showing fallout as reprisals, thus creating chaos and confusion for the local population and non Mexican tourist as well.

At the same time, the United States has heightened security all along the US-Mexico border.

Let's also keep an eye on the Los Angeles area cartel cells (which could be a bit of a stretch), which could possibly be activated due to the unrest concerning ICE activities as a means of possible retaliation on different levels since Trump started the War on Drugs and "illegals" campaign in 2017.

Though I do agree with your assessment that the most dangerous aspects are in the Mexican town of Tapalpa (where “El Mencho” was taken down) in the western state of Jalisco.

Lemme guess, trump war on drugs will end with subjugating various southam countries and uninterrupted flow of drugs just as before