Violence Erupts in Mexico Following Death of Cartel Leader “El

Mexico faces widespread violence after the death of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes during a special forces operation in Jalisco. Retaliation included roadblocks, attacks on shops and banks, and suspensions of public transport and events. Four cartel members died, three soldiers were injured, and 25 arrests were made. El Mencho was a major trafficker of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the US.

A wave of violence has swept across Mexico following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as "El Mencho," the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel. El Mencho was killed during a carefully planned operation by Mexican special forces in the town of Tapalpa, located in Jalisco, a state in central-western Mexico. The operation aimed to apprehend the cartel leader and involved clashes between his supporters and the army, which resulted in the deaths of four CJNG members and injuries to three army personnel, according to the Mexican defence ministry.
Following the death of El Mencho, retaliation by the CJNG escalated rapidly, leading to violence in at least twelve Mexican states. Cartel members blocked roads using burning vehicles, creating chaos in multiple areas. Reports emerged of gunmen patrolling the streets, including in the state of Jalisco, and residents captured plumes of smoke rising over several cities, such as Guadalajara, one of the cities hosting the upcoming FIFA World Cup. In response to the unrest, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a code red in the state. This measure paused all public transportation, canceled mass events, and suspended in-person classes to ensure the safety of residents. Tourists in the region described Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort town, as resembling a "war zone" due to the intensity of the violence.
The unrest led to the establishment of approximately 250 roadblocks across the country, with 65 reported in Jalisco alone. According to the Mexican security cabinet, four blockades remained active in the state at the time of their latest update. Law enforcement authorities confirmed that 25 individuals had been arrested in connection with the violence, with 11 accused of participating in violent acts and 14 more arrested for alleged looting and pillaging. Many shops were set on fire, and around 20 bank branches were attacked during the unrest.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the nation, emphasizing that there was "absolute co-ordination" between state and federal officials in responding to the violence. She urged citizens to remain "calm and informed," while reassuring that, in most parts of the country, daily activities were proceeding normally.
The disruption caused by the violence also affected air travel, with several airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines, and American Airlines, canceling flights to Jalisco. The United States government issued warnings for its citizens to shelter in place in five states: Jalisco, Tamaulipas, and parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom issued a travel advisory for Jalisco, warning visitors of "serious security incidents" and advising them to exercise extreme caution and follow the guidance of local authorities.
The US government had provided intelligence that assisted Mexican authorities in the operation to apprehend El Mencho. US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted that he was considered "a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland." During the operation, three cartel members were killed, another three were wounded, and two were arrested.
El Mencho, who was 59 years old and a former police officer, oversaw a vast criminal network responsible for trafficking massive quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States. The US State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. The Mexican defence ministry confirmed that the operation was "planned and executed" by special forces. Mike Vigil, the former chief of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, described the operation as "one of the most significant actions undertaken in the history of drug trafficking."
The violent response to El Mencho’s death underscores the immense influence and reach of the Jalisco New Generation cartel and highlights the extreme risks posed to public safety when such high-profile criminal figures are removed. The incident has caused widespread fear and disruption, drawing attention to the ongoing challenges faced by Mexican authorities in combating organized crime and protecting civilians from cartel retaliation. The unrest has further heightened international concern, with both the US and UK governments advising caution to their citizens and closely monitoring the security situation.