Ghana has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens in Mexico to exercise extreme caution following deadly security operations and retaliatory violence linked to one of the country’s most powerful criminal networks.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the advisory was prompted by “the unfolding situation in Mexico” after an operation by Mexican security forces on February 22, 2026, which resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho and identified as the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

The ministry noted that the operation had triggered coordinated reprisals across several Mexican states, leading to heightened insecurity and disruption.

“In view of the unfolding situation in Mexico, following the operation conducted by Mexican security forces on 22nd February, 2026, which resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, otherwise known as El Mencho (the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel), and the coordinated cartel retaliation across multiple states of Mexico, the Government of Ghana wishes to advise Ghanaian nationals travelling to or residing in any of the affected cities in Mexico to exercise extreme caution in their movement and refrain from non-essential travel,” the statement said.

According to the advisory, the affected areas include Jalisco, Baja California, Colima, Guanajuato, Michoacán and Oaxaca. Authorities described the unrest as involving armed confrontations, the burning of vehicles and road blockages, resulting in casualties and widespread disruption to daily life.

“The unrest has been characterised by armed clashes, arson of vehicles and road blockages, which have caused casualties and significant disruption to daily activities,” the ministry stated.

Although Ghana does not maintain a resident diplomatic mission in Mexico, its embassy in Washington, D.C. holds concurrent accreditation and has been tasked with providing consular assistance to nationals who may require support.

“Ghanaian citizens in the jurisdiction are encouraged to maintain communication with the Embassy of Ghana in Washington D.C. which is concurrently accredited to Mexico for consular assistance if the need arises,” the statement added.

The ministry provided an emergency hotline number for affected nationals and urged continued vigilance as the situation evolves.

While cautioning its citizens, the government of Ghana also conveyed diplomatic support to Mexican authorities as they work to restore order.

“The Government of the Republic of Ghana conveys its solidarity to the Government of the United Mexican States and expresses its confidence in the ability of the Mexican authorities to bring the situation under control,” the statement concluded.

The advisory reflects growing international concern over the security fallout following the reported death of the cartel leader, with governments monitoring the impact of retaliatory violence across key regions of Mexico.