Widespread violence has erupted across Mexico following the killing of feared drug kingpin, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, popularly known as El Mencho, during a military operation carried out by Mexican security forces.
The Mexican Army confirmed that the 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) died after sustaining injuries in a fierce gun battle with soldiers in Tapalpa, located in Jalisco State. Authorities said he later died while being airlifted to Mexico City for medical treatment.
Oseguera had long been one of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers, with United States authorities placing a $15 million bounty on his capture.
Cartel Retaliation Sparks Nationwide Chaos
Following the operation, suspected cartel members launched coordinated retaliatory attacks across western Mexico. Gunmen reportedly blocked more than 20 highways, setting buses, trucks, and private vehicles ablaze in several locations across Jalisco State.
The violence quickly spread to neighbouring regions, forcing at least eight states to suspend physical school activities, while judicial authorities authorised courts to shut down operations where security risks were high.
Major cities, including Guadalajara, witnessed deserted streets as businesses, pharmacies, and fuel stations closed amid fears of further attacks.
President Urges Calm
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum appealed for calm, assuring citizens that security forces remained in control of the situation despite the unrest triggered by the cartel leader’s death.
Security officials disclosed that six suspected cartel gunmen were killed during the military raid, while three soldiers sustained injuries. Two additional suspects were arrested, and authorities recovered heavy weapons, including rocket launchers capable of destroying armored vehicles and aircraft.
International Support And Reaction
Mexican authorities confirmed that the operation was supported by intelligence provided by the United States government. The White House acknowledged offering intelligence assistance during the mission.
The United States has previously classified the Jalisco cartel as a terrorist organisation, accusing it of trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into North America.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the killing of Oseguera as “a great development for Mexico, the United States, Latin America, and the world,” calling him one of the most violent drug traffickers in modern history.
Security Alerts And Travel Disruptions
The escalating violence prompted neighbouring Guatemala to reinforce sections of its border with Mexico amid fears of cross-border criminal activity.
Meanwhile, both the United States and Canada issued travel advisories urging their citizens in affected regions to remain indoors. Several international airlines cancelled flights to key destinations, including Puerto Vallarta, as security concerns intensified.
Analysts say the death of El Mencho marks one of the most significant blows against organised crime in Mexico since the capture of notorious cartel figures such as Joaquín Guzmán and Ismael Zambada García.
However, security experts warn that power struggles within cartel networks could trigger further instability as rival factions attempt to fill the leadership vacuum left behind by one of Mexico’s most powerful crime bosses.
