A significant wave of violence has erupted in Mexico following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The 59-year-old drug lord was killed during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, which was supported by US intelligence. This operation resulted in the deaths of four CJNG members and injuries to three soldiers. El Mencho was a high-profile target, with a $15 million bounty for information leading to his capture, indicating his significance in drug trafficking, particularly concerning fentanyl into the United States.
In the aftermath of his death, CJNG gunmen retaliated with coordinated attacks across at least a dozen states, establishing over 250 roadblocks and instilling widespread chaos. Key urban areas, including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, experienced severe disturbances. Eyewitness accounts depicted scenes reminiscent of war zones, prompting local authorities to take drastic measures. Jalisco’s Governor, Pablo Lemus Navarro, declared a code red, halting public transportation, canceling mass gatherings, and suspending in-person classes in response to the escalating violence.
Mexican authorities reported the arrest of 25 individuals connected to the unrest, with charges ranging from violent acts to looting. The violence also extended to attacks on approximately 20 bank branches and numerous shop arsons. In a demonstration of the security situation’s gravity, several international airlines canceled flights to Jalisco.
President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the coordination between federal and state governments in addressing the crisis while urging calm among the populace. However, the United States issued a shelter-in-place order for its citizens in several Mexican states, including Jalisco, amid warnings from other governments about potential security threats.
Security analysts view the elimination of El Mencho as a major victory in the fight against organized crime, but it unfolds within a perilous context, as officials now grapple with the violent repercussions stemming from the CJNG in the wake of their leader’s demise.
