A misleading photo purporting to show a burning plane at the Guadalajara International Airport has gone viral on social media, falsely connecting it to the recent death of notorious drug trafficker Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. The image, posted along with claims of a cartel attack at the airport on February 22, has been confirmed as fake, with evidence highlighting the manipulation of the original material.

On the same day the photo circulated, a significant military operation led to El Mencho's capture and death, escalating the violence associated with his drug cartel, Jalisco New Generation. The cartel is recognized as one of the primary suppliers of fentanyl to the United States, raising concerns regarding the implications of El Mencho's death on drug trafficking and violence in the region. This incident reveals how misinformation can quickly spread, especially in the wake of significant criminal events.

Debunking such claims is crucial, as they can incite panic and misunderstandings about the ongoing violence in Mexico. Authorities and fact-checkers have urged the public to be cautious of sensationalized stories and images that can distort reality and perpetuate fear. As Mexico grapples with the consequences of cartel violence, discerning fact from fiction becomes even more vital for public awareness and safety.