As reports emerged of a shooting incident at Guadalajara International Airport on Sunday, the Mexican Embassy in Washington issued an urgent fact check. This comes hours after officials confirmed that the military had wounded Nemesio Oseguera, the 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel. He died while being airlifted to Mexico City. El Mencho’s death sparked widespread violence across Mexico, with chilling videos emerging in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Tapalpa.
The army said the raid was carried out with “supplementary information” from US authorities. Six suspected cartel gunmen were killed alongside Oseguera and three soldiers were injured. Two cartel suspects were arrested and a variety of weapons were confiscated, including rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.
Read more: El Mencho murdered: Who will lead the CJNG after the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes? Command structure explained
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed the operation and described Oseguera as “one of the deadliest and ruthless drug kingpins.”
“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 that Americans were being attacked at Guadalajara airport.
“After the US eliminated a top cartel leader in Mexico today, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) retaliated by storming Guadalajara airport with gunmen. They are now holding American tourists hostage on nearby highways and hotels,” she said on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.
The Mexican embassy was quick to respond.
“This publication is false. The military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, aimed at capturing Rubén “N”, alias “Mencho”, was planned and carried out by Mexican special forces. This action was carried out within the framework of bilateral cooperation, in which the US authorities provided complementary intelligence. The National Guard and the Mexican Army are currently strengthening security in Jalisco and neighboring states to maintain order.”
Read more: The killing of El Mencho: 5 things to know about Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes
Loomer responded by claiming that the embassy was attacking her. “It’s actually not fake news! There are a lot of reports on the ground that show the cartel is threatening to storm hotels if their demands are not met by 5pm. They stormed the airport too. How about expressing more gratitude to the US Special Forces… Acting like Mexico would have done this without US support. Please. Everyone knows the cartel is running @Claudiashein! Mexico is a failed state. Mexicans should kiss President Trump’s ass!! Who runs this account???”
