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KQ6UP > MEXICO 28.02.26 08:34l 35 Lines 2809 Bytes #10 (0) @ WW
BID : 20262_W6TJ
Subj: Mexico Update 2/26/26
Path: ED1ZAC<ED1ZAC<IZ3LSV<IK6IHL<IK7NXU<HB9ON<DK0WUE<IW2OHX<GB7OSW<VE3CGR<
VE3QBZ<N6CTA<KN6YLK<AB6MV<KQ6UP<W6TJ
Sent: 260226/1442Z @:W6TJ.#SCA.CA.USA.NOAM #:20262 [Grand Terrace, CA] $:20262_
From: KQ6UP@W6TJ.#SCA.CA.USA.NOAM
To : MEXICO@WW
A summary of the current situation generated by Gemini:
As of this morning, **February 26, 2026**, the security situation in Mexico is beginning to stabilize after several days of intense violence following the death of a major cartel leader.
### **Security & Retaliatory Violence**
The primary driver of the current unrest was a military operation on Sunday, February 22, that resulted in the death of **Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes**, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
* **Current Status:** The UK Foreign Office and other international agencies report that the situation has started to **"return to normal"** in many areas. Roadblocks and clashes that paralyzed states like Jalisco, MichoacC!n, and Sinaloa earlier this week have largely subsided.
* **Casualties:** Reports indicate that at least **73 people** have died in the retaliatory violence since Sunday.
* **Military Action:** The Mexican Navy recently "neutralized" a massive drug lab in Durango, seizing over 5,000 pounds of methamphetamine valued at over **$265 million**, signaling continued aggressive pressure on cartel infrastructure.
### **Travel & Transportation**
* **Flights Resuming:** Airports in **Guadalajara** and **Puerto Vallarta**, which saw major disruptions and cancellations earlier this week, have resumed operations. However, travelers are still advised to check for potential schedule changes.
* **Advisories:** While the immediate "shelter-in-place" orders for U.S. citizens have begun to lift, the U.S. State Department still urges high vigilance.
### **World Cup 2026 Concerns**
With the [FIFA World Cup](https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1393766-fifa-world-cup-security-concerns-spike-after-recent-cartel-violence-in-mexico) just months away, the violence sparked international concern about Mexico's hosting duties.
* **FIFA Response:** President Gianni Infantino stated this morning that he has **"complete confidence"** in Mexico's ability to host the matches safely.
* **Government Stance:** President Claudia Sheinbaum has reassured the public that there is **"no risk"** to visitors and that security protocols for the tournament are being fully activated.
### **Political Friction**
The operation has highlighted a shift in President Sheinbaum's security policy toward more direct "kingpin" strikes, supported by U.S. intelligence. However, this has caused political friction in Washington; some U.S. lawmakers recently issued a letter opposing any **unilateral U.S. military action** in Mexico, arguing it would "destroy trust" and violate Mexican sovereignty.
Would you like me to look into travel advisories for a specific city or more details on the political response to El Mencho's death?
-73 de Chris KQ6UP
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