Violence Erupts Following Death of El Mencho
A wave of violence has erupted in Mexico after the country’s most wanted drug lord was killed during an operation aimed at his arrest.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as "El Mencho," was the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel. He died after sustaining serious injuries in clashes between his supporters and the army on Sunday.
During the operation in the town of Tapalpa, located in the central-western state of Jalisco, four CJNG members were killed, and three army personnel were injured, according to the Mexican defence ministry.
Retaliation and Spread of Violence
Following the drug lord’s death, violence has spread to at least twelve states, with CJNG members blocking roads using burning vehicles.
Reports throughout Sunday indicated the presence of armed gunmen on the streets of Jalisco and other regions.
Eyewitnesses captured footage showing plumes of smoke rising over several cities, including Guadalajara, which is one of the host cities for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
In response, Jalisco’s Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a code red in the state, suspending all public transportation, cancelling mass events, and halting in-person classes.
Tourists interviewed by described the resort town of Puerto Vallarta as resembling a "war zone."
Roadblocks and Arrests
Approximately 250 roadblocks were reported across the country during the unrest, with 65 located in Jalisco, according to CBS, the BBC’s US news partner. The Mexican security cabinet later reported that four blockades remained active in Jalisco.
The security cabinet also stated that 25 individuals have been arrested: 11 for alleged participation in violent acts and 14 for alleged looting and pillaging.
Numerous shops were set on fire, and about 20 bank branches were attacked amid the violence.
Government Response and Public Advisories
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the coordination between state and federal authorities in addressing the violence, urging the public to remain
"calm and informed".
She added that
"in most parts of the country, activities are proceeding normally."
Several airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines, and American Airlines, have cancelled flights to Jalisco.
The United States government has advised its citizens to shelter in place in five states: Jalisco, Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon.
The UK government reported
"serious security incidents"in Jalisco and recommended that visitors
"exercise extreme caution"and follow local authorities’ advice.
US Involvement and Operation Details
The US provided Mexico with intelligence that contributed to the operation to apprehend El Mencho.
US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated late Sunday night that El Mencho was a
"top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland."
Leavitt further noted that three cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested during the operation.
El Mencho, aged 59 and a former police officer, led a vast criminal organization responsible for trafficking large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States.
The US State Department had offered a $15 million (£11.1 million) reward for information leading to his capture.
The Mexican defence ministry stated that the operation was
"planned and executed"by the country’s special forces.
Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, described the operation to CBS as
"one of the most significant actions undertaken in the history of drug trafficking."
