US Expands Drug War After Cartel Kingpin's Death

The killing of drug kingpin El Mencho on February 24, 2026, triggered widespread cartel violence across Mexico, particularly in tourist areas like Puerto Vallarta, leading to flight cancellations and disruption. In response, Mexican and U.S. authorities intensified efforts to prevent a full-scale cartel war. Most recently, the U.S. has significantly expanded its anti-drug operations in Latin America, forging a deeper military alliance with Ecuador to combat drug gangs like the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels.