In a major blow to organised crime, the Mexican army confirmed that Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a targeted security operation on Sunday. The death of one of Mexico’s most wanted drug lords triggered intense violence, road blockages, and urgent travel alerts across the country.
The operation unfolded in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where military forces engaged cartel members in a firefight. Oseguera was critically wounded and later died while being airlifted to Mexico City for treatment, according to security officials.
What Sparked the Mexican Violence After El Mencho’s Death?
Almost immediately after news of El Mencho’s death spread, criminal groups responded with bold and coordinated acts of retaliation. Armed members set vehicles on fire, erected roadblocks across major highways, and clashed with security forces in at least eight Mexican states, including Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, and others.
Local authorities reported that the chaos disrupted everyday life in major urban areas such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, with burning cars and blocked roads hampering movement and public safety.
Violence Erupts in Mexico: Impact on Airports, Transportation, and Public Safety
Amid the unrest, several critical transport hubs experienced disruptions. Flights at Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports were affected, with some airlines canceling services due to safety concerns.
Officials also temporarily suspended public transport in parts of Jalisco to prevent further confrontations between security forces and criminal elements.
Violence Erupts in Mexico: Security Forces and Casualties in the Clashes
The deadly military raid did not come without its costs. Alongside Oseguera and six suspected cartel members killed in the operation, security forces also suffered losses. Reports indicate that several National Guard members and soldiers were killed or wounded in subsequent clashes with cartel fighters.
Additionally, violence extended beyond confrontations. A jail guard was killed during a riot, and an agent from the Jalisco state prosecutor’s office was also reported dead amid the unrest.
Violence Erupts in Mexico: Travel and Safety Advisories
Governments around the world cautioned their citizens regarding safety in Mexico following the chaos. The United States Department of State issued a “shelter in place” alert, urging Americans in key states, including Jalisco, to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Similarly, the Embassy of India in Mexico advised Indian nationals in cities like Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara to shelter in place due to ongoing violence and security operations.
Canada also issued a travel warning, encouraging Canadians to keep a low profile and remain in secure locations while the situation stabilizes.
Why El Mencho’s Death Matters
El Mencho led the CJNG, an organisation known for its international drug trafficking network, spanning the United States, Europe, Africa, and beyond. Under his leadership, the CJNG became one of Mexico’s deadliest cartels, notorious for its use of heavy weaponry and brutal tactics against rivals and authorities alike.
His death is seen as a major strategic victory for Mexican security forces, delivering a symbolic blow to the CJNG’s leadership. However, experts warn that such a power vacuum could lead to internal cartel conflicts or retaliation, potentially escalating violence further in the coming weeks.
Violence Erupts in Mexico: What Comes Next?
In response to the unrest, local officials in affected states have declared heightened security alerts, suspended public services, and urged residents to stay within safe areas. Emergency protocols like “code red” have been activated in several regions to manage the crisis and restore order.
President Claudia Sheinbaum and other officials continue to assert that most of Mexico remains stable, even as authorities mobilise additional forces to contain violence and protect civilians.
The dramatic end of El Mencho’s reign and the ensuing turmoil mark a turning point in Mexico’s ongoing battle against powerful drug cartels. This conflict has long claimed thousands of lives and reshaped national security policy.
