Mexico is rocked by violence following the murder of drug boss El Mencho. Mexico has seen a surge in violence following the death of the most sought drug lord during a security operation that involved US intelligence to apprehend him.
The leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” passed away on Sunday following severe injuries sustained in battles between his followers and the army.
According to the Mexican defense ministry, the operation in the town of Tapalpa in central-western Jalisco state resulted in the deaths of four CJNG members and the injuries of three army personnel.
Violence has extended to at least a dozen states in retaliation for the drug lord’s killing, with CJNG blocking roads with burning cars. Gunmen were reported on the streets of Jalisco and other places throughout Sunday.
Witnesses captured smoke plumes rising over a number of cities, including Guadalajara, one of the cities hosting the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Pablo Lemus Navarro, the governor of Jalisco, issued a code red, stopping all public transportation and calling off large gatherings and in-person classes. Puerto Vallarta, a tourist town in Jalisco, was referred to be a “war zone” by visitors who spoke with Reuters.
During the turmoil, there were over 250 roadblocks nationwide, including 65 in Jalisco, according to CBS, the BBC’s US news partner. According to the Mexican Security Cabinet’s most recent report, there are still four blockades in place in Jalisco.
According to the government, 25 persons have been taken into custody, 11 of whom are accused of taking part in violent crimes and 14 of whom are accused of robbing and pillaging. The violence also included roughly 20 bank branches being attacked and shops being set on fire, it said.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the president of Mexico, urged citizens to remain “calm and informed” and stated that state and federal authorities responded to the violence with “absolute coordination”.”In most parts of the country, activities are proceeding normally,” Sheinbaum continued.
American Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada are among the airlines that have canceled flights to Jalisco.
In five states—Jalisco, Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon—the US has issued a warning to its nationals to stay put.
Following reports of “serious security incidents” in Jalisco, the UK government advised “you should exercise extreme caution” and heed local authorities’ guidance.
El Mencho was described by US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt late on Sunday night as a “top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland.”
According to her, the US contributed intelligence for the operation, which resulted in the deaths of three cartel members, three injuries, and two arrests.
A 59-year-old former police officer named El Mencho oversaw a vast criminal organization that brought massive amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine into the United States.
A $15 million (£11.1 million) reward had been offered by the US State Department for information that would result in El Mencho’s apprehension. The Mexican defense ministry claimed in a statement that the nation’s special forces “planned and executed” the operation.
The operation was dubbed “one of the most significant actions undertaken in the history of drug trafficking” by Mike Vigil, the former Chief of International Operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration. He was talking to CBS, the BBC’s news partner in the United States.
1. Who was El Mencho?
El Mencho, whose real name was Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, was the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminal organizations.
2. How did El Mencho die?
He reportedly died after sustaining severe injuries during clashes between CJNG members and the Mexican army in Jalisco state.
3. Where did the operation take place?
The security operation occurred in Tapalpa, located in Jalisco, a central-western state of Mexico.
4. Was the United States involved in the operation?
Yes. According to officials, US intelligence supported Mexican authorities in planning and executing the operation targeting El Mencho.
5. What happened during the military operation?
Mexican special forces carried out the mission, resulting in the deaths of multiple cartel members, injuries to army personnel, and several arrests.
6. What was the immediate aftermath of his death?
Following his killing, violence spread across multiple Mexican states, with roadblocks, burning vehicles, armed clashes, and attacks on businesses reported.
7. Which areas were most affected by the violence?
Jalisco was heavily impacted, including cities like Guadalajara and tourist hotspot Puerto Vallarta. Violence was also reported in Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León.
8. How did the Mexican government respond?
Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizens to remain calm and stated that federal and state authorities were coordinating to restore order.
9. Why was El Mencho a major target for US authorities?
He was accused of trafficking massive quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine into the United States. The U.S. Department of State had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
10. How has the international community reacted?
The US issued travel warnings for several affected states, and the UK government advised extreme caution for travelers in Jalisco following serious security incidents.
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