Violence has flared across Mexico after authorities confirmed the death of the country’s most wanted cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.”
Mexico’s defense ministry said Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was critically wounded amid clashes in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state and later died.
The ministry added that four suspected CJNG members were killed during the operation, while three soldiers were injured.
In the hours that followed, retaliation and unrest spread well beyond Jalisco. Reports from multiple regions described gunmen appearing on streets and major roads being shut down as CJNG-linked groups set vehicles on fire to block traffic.
Smoke was seen rising over several cities, including Guadalajara, one of the planned host cities for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Jalisco’s governor, Pablo Lemus Navarro, declared a state-wide “code red,” halting public transport, cancelling large gatherings, and suspending in-person classes. Witnesses quoted by international media described Puerto Vallarta as chaotic, with fires and heavy security presence.
Mexican officials said hundreds of roadblocks were reported nationwide during the peak of the violence, though authorities later said the number of active blockades in Jalisco had reduced.
The national security cabinet said 25 people were arrested, with allegations ranging from involvement in violent acts to looting. It also reported arson attacks on shops and assaults on around 20 bank branches.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said state and federal agencies were coordinating closely and urged residents to remain calm and rely on verified updates, adding that much of the country continued operating normally.
The security situation also disrupted travel. Several airlines reportedly cancelled flights to Jalisco. The United States issued shelter-in-place guidance for citizens in several states, while the UK warned of serious incidents in Jalisco and advised travelers to follow local instructions.
US officials said Washington provided intelligence support to Mexico for the operation.
El Mencho, a 59-year-old former police officer, led one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal groups and was accused by US authorities of trafficking large quantities of drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States. The US had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
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