The killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” has triggered a surge of violence across Mexico, with armed blockades, arson attacks and transport disruptions reported in multiple states.
Oseguera, long identified as the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, died after being seriously injured during clashes between his supporters and the army on Sunday. The confrontation unfolded in the town of Tapalpa, in Jalisco state, according to Mexico’s defence ministry.
Four cartel members were killed in the operation and three soldiers were injured. Authorities said the mission had been planned and carried out by the country’s special forces.
Within hours, retaliation spread. Armed groups set vehicles ablaze to block highways, with around 250 roadblocks reported nationwide at the height of the unrest. Sixty-five of them were in Jalisco alone, according to CBS, the BBC’s US news partner. By the security cabinet’s latest update, four blockades remained active in the state.
Smoke rose over several cities, including Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup. Gunmen were reported on the streets through Sunday, while shops were set on fire and about 20 bank branches were attacked.
Jalisco’s governor, Pablo Lemus Navarro, declared a code red, suspending public transport and cancelling mass events and in-person classes.
In the coastal resort of Puerto Vallarta, tourists told Reuters the town resembled a “war zone.” Airlines including Air Canada, United Airlines and American Airlines cancelled flights to Jalisco amid the instability.
Mexico’s security cabinet said 25 people had been arrested — 11 for alleged involvement in violent acts and 14 for alleged looting and pillaging.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was “absolute co-ordination” between federal and state authorities. She urged citizens to remain calm and informed, adding that most parts of the country were functioning normally.
The United States, which had provided intelligence support for the operation, advised its citizens to shelter in place in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León.
US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Oseguera as a top target for both governments, accusing him of being among the leading traffickers of fentanyl into the United States. She said three cartel members were killed, three wounded and two arrested during the operation.
The US State Department had offered a $15m reward for information leading to his capture.
Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, called the mission one of the most significant actions ever undertaken against drug trafficking.
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By late Sunday, security forces remained deployed in affected areas, and authorities continued to clear blockades. For now, the country is watching closely to see whether the violence subsides as quickly as it flared.
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