Chaos has engulfed Mexico after the government confirmed the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The Mexican government on Sunday revealed that El Mencho was killed in a military operation. The elimination of one of the world’s most-wanted drug lords has immediately triggered a widespread security crisis in Mexico, with retaliatory violence erupting across several western states just months before the nation is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The mission, carried out by Mexican Special Forces with intelligence support from the United States, targeted a CJNG stronghold in the mountain town of Tapalpa, Jalisco.
According to the Ministry of Defense, a fierce gunbattle broke out when troops moved to apprehend the 59-year-old kingpin. El Mencho was reportedly wounded during the raid and died while being airlifted to Mexico City. Six other cartel members were killed in the exchange, while three Mexican soldiers sustained injuries.
In the hours following the announcement, the CJNG launched a coordinated campaign of “narcobloqueos” (roadblocks). Gunmen hijacked and torched dozens of buses and semi-trucks, paralyzing major highways in Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Michoacán.
Eyewitnesses filmed plumes of smoke rising over several cities, including Guadalajara, one of the host cities of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup.
Jalisco’s Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a Code Red in the state, pausing all public transportation and canceling mass events and in-person classes.
Some 250 roadblocks were in place across the country during the unrest, with 65 in Jalisco. Also, scores of shops have been set on fire, and about 20 bank branches were attacked in the violence.
Reacting to the mayhem, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was “absolute coordination” between state and federal officials in response to the violence, urging people to stay “calm and informed”.
“There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm.
“The social media accounts of the Security Cabinet provide permanent updates,” she wrote.
The president added, “In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.”
Concluding her message, the president expressed recognition for Mexico’s security institutions.
“My recognition to the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet. We work every day for peace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico,” the release concluded.
Meanwhile, several airlines have begun to cancel flights to Jalisco, including Air Canada, United Airlines, and American Airlines.
Also, the U.S government has warned its citizens to shelter in place in five states: Jalisco, Tamaulipas, areas of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon.
The UK government said “serious security incidents” had been reported in Mexico advising that visitors “should exercise extreme caution” and follow the guidance of local authorities.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that El Mencho, a 59-year-old former police officer, allegedly ran a vast criminal organisation responsible for trafficking huge quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the U.S.
The U.S State Department had offered a $15m (£11.1m) reward for information leading to El Mencho’s capture.
