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February 23, 2026 – Turkey –
Veteran Turkish journalist Cüneyt Özdemir, on a personal trip to Mexico, has become effectively stranded amid a surge of cartel-related violence that erupted after Mexican authorities announced the death of a major cartel leader, according to recent regional reporting. Özdemir, known for decades of international reporting, including conflict zones and political crises, is currently navigating transport disruptions and intensifying insecurity as clashes spread across multiple states.
The turmoil followed a Mexican military operation that reportedly killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, the long-time head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in the state of Jalisco. In the aftermath of the operation, violence quickly spread across six to eight Mexican states, with roads blocked by barricades and vehicles set alight, prompting warnings from cartel members to civilians to remain off the streets after dark. Özdemir said that his travel plans have been disrupted as a result, with major highway access restricted and security conditions deteriorating sharply in areas he had intended to traverse.
In social media posts, Özdemir described being caught between heightened cartel activity and constrained movement options, saying that hotel guests in the region have grown “extremely tense” due to the unpredictable security environment. Reports indicate that public transport has become unreliable amid the unrest, leaving foreign visitors such as Özdemir seeking safe routes out of the affected zones.
The journalist — who has built a long career covering major global events, conflicts, and political upheavals — had travelled to Mexico for leisure rather than reporting, but found himself unable to depart as cartel-linked clashes continued to escalate. The surge in violence illustrates the broader challenges facing civilians and visitors alike in regions where organised crime confronts state security forces, often with significant collateral disruption to everyday life and public order.
Mexican authorities have not publicly commented on Özdemir’s situation specifically, but the country’s government has been under pressure to contain violence following Oseguera’s death. Clashes between rival cartel factions and security forces have posed considerable risks to residents and expatriates in affected states, complicating travel and prompting heightened alert advisories from foreign missions.
As of the latest updates, Özdemir remains in Mexico, actively seeking a safe passage out of regions impacted by the unrest while maintaining contact with colleagues and audiences about the precarious conditions he is facing.
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