US EditionMexico Probes Cartel-Linked Accounts Spreading Fake News After El Mencho Killing
Following El Mencho’s death, Mexican cartels launched violent reprisals including over 250 roadblocks across 20 states and at least 55 deaths, officials reported.
- On Feb. 22, 2026, the Mexican military killed 'El Mencho' during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, amid a firefight with suspects.
- Authorities targeted El Mencho because the CJNG was a fast-growing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine trafficking network long pursued by the U.S. State Department, which offered up to $15 million for information.
- Lead Stories and PolitiFact found the viral image claiming Puerto Vallarta on fire was AI-generated, flagged 93.2% likely AI, with a Gemini logo indicating fabrication.
- On Monday, several Mexican states canceled school and officials warned residents to stay indoors as more than 1,000 people were stranded overnight in Guadalajara's zoo, with some flights diverted despite AFAC reports that airports continued operating.
- The CJNG mounted nationwide reprisals, erecting more than 250 roadblocks across 20 states and setting vehicles and buildings on fire, after more than 70 people died in the operation and aftermath, authorities said.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Artificial intelligence contributes to spread of misinformation amid Mexican cartel violence
Violence broke out in some Mexican states after an operation by that country's government killed the head of one of the most powerful cartels. In the digital age much of the violence was seen by millions around the world on social media, but not all of it was real.
Police and the military in Mexico are searching for more escapees from a prison in Puerto Vallarta, who escaped during a wave of attacks that the CJNG cartel launched on Sunday after the killing of its leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”. During the riots, gunmen used a vehicle to break down one of the prison gates, allowing 23 prisoners to escape. Authorities said they were working with other federal states to catch the esc…
One of the world's largest drug networks has lost its leader. A power struggle is underway over who will take over from drug lord "El Mencho." "There will be movement in the ranks," says Latin America expert Andrés Rivarola Puntigliano.
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- 38% of the sources lean Right
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