Mexico City — Mexico is on high alert after members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel unleashed coordinated violence across at least 20 states following the capture and death of their leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”
El Mencho, regarded as Mexico’s most wanted drug lord, was seriously injured during a firefight between his bodyguards and Mexican special forces in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco. According to the defence ministry, he died in custody while being transported to Mexico City shortly after his capture. At least six of his security guards were killed during the operation, while three members of the Mexican military were injured.
Within hours of news of his death spreading, CJNG operatives launched retaliatory attacks in towns and cities where the cartel maintains influence. Businesses were torched, banks and pharmacies set ablaze, and more than 250 road blockades were reported nationwide. In several areas, cartel members scattered spikes and nails across highways, while elsewhere they commandeered buses and vehicles, setting them on fire to obstruct traffic.
In Puerto Vallarta, plumes of smoke rose across neighbourhoods, and roughly 300 tourists were stranded at the airport after flights were cancelled due to nearby unrest. Visitors were transferred under heavy police escort to the city centre. Authorities urged tourists to shelter in place as the UK Foreign Office and the US State Department issued travel advisories warning nationals to exercise extreme caution.
In Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, panic erupted at the airport when travellers rushed inside after hearing gunshots from a nearby highway. Authorities later dismissed rumours that shots had been fired inside the terminal, though images showed burnt vehicles along surrounding roads.
The governor of Jalisco declared a “code red,” suspending public transport, cancelling mass events and in-person classes, and urging residents to remain indoors. Streets in several towns were reported to be largely deserted as security forces worked to dismantle the blockades. Officials say about 90% of the roadblocks have now been cleared, though tensions remain high in Jalisco, the cartel’s stronghold.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizens to remain calm and said that in most parts of the country normal activity continues. She praised the security forces for what officials describe as one of the most significant anti-cartel operations in recent history.
The United States had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to El Mencho’s capture. US officials confirmed that intelligence cooperation played a role in the operation. Analysts warn that while the death of the cartel leader represents a major strategic blow, it may also trigger internal power struggles within the CJNG and further instability in the short term.
Security officials confirmed that 25 people have been arrested so far, including 11 suspected of participating directly in violent acts and 14 accused of looting.
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