At least 73 people have died in Mexico following an attempt to capture Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), and the subsequent wave of violence unleashed by the organization. The deaths include members of security forces, suspected cartel members, and civilians caught in the crossfire, raising fears of further instability across the country.
The operation to apprehend El Mencho, one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals and a key figure in the trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States, culminated in a shootout in his home state of Jalisco. Authorities followed a lead through one of Oseguera Cervantes’ romantic partners to a hideout in Tapalpa, according to Mexican Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla. The cartel responded with widespread disruption, blocking roads and setting vehicles ablaze in a show of force.
Military Operation and Initial Aftermath
Oseguera Cervantes and two bodyguards attempted to flee into a wooded area, where they were seriously wounded during a firefight with the Mexican military. They were taken into custody but succumbed to their injuries en route to Mexico City, Trevilla confirmed. Simultaneously, in a separate location within Jalisco, soldiers killed another high-ranking cartel member who authorities say was coordinating the violence and offering bounties for the deaths of soldiers – reportedly more than $1,000 per soldier killed.
The violence quickly escalated, resulting in significant casualties among Mexican security forces. Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch reported that 25 members of the Mexican National Guard were killed in six separate attacks. Approximately 30 suspected cartel members were killed in Jalisco, with four more fatalities in the neighboring state of Michoacán. A prison guard and an agent from the state prosecutor’s office were also among the dead.
Disruption and International Response
As the threat of continued violence loomed, several Mexican states cancelled school on Monday, and both local and foreign governments issued warnings urging citizens to remain indoors. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, and authorities stated that over 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states had been cleared by Monday. The city of Guadalajara, Jalisco’s state capital and Mexico’s second-largest city, was largely deserted on Sunday as residents stayed home in fear. Images from the AP show the impact of the cartel’s actions, with deserted streets and a palpable sense of unease.
The United States confirmed it provided intelligence support to the operation and applauded the Mexican army’s success in neutralizing a major criminal target. The White House stated that El Mencho was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries. Mexico reportedly hopes the takedown of a major fentanyl trafficker will alleviate pressure from the Trump administration to take further action against the cartels. The US Embassy in Mexico issued a shelter-in-place order for its personnel in eight cities, including those in Michoacán, and advised US citizens throughout Mexico to do the same, as reported by CNN.
Impact on Daily Life and Potential for Further Violence
By Monday morning, Guadalajara began to show signs of returning to normal, with cars circulating as people headed to work. However, the previous day saw over 1,000 people stranded overnight at the Guadalajara zoo, seeking shelter in buses. Zoo director Luis Soto Rendon stated that many families were unable to return home due to the widespread violence in Jalisco and surrounding states like Zacatecas and Michoacán.
Experts warn that the operation, while a significant blow to the CJNG, could also trigger further violence as rival criminal groups attempt to exploit the power vacuum. David Mora, a Mexico analyst for the International Crisis Group, suggested that other organizations might spot this as an opportunity to expand their control. He also noted that under President Sheinbaum, the Mexican army has adopted a more confrontational approach to combating criminal groups, signaling to the US a willingness to cooperate and share intelligence without the need for direct US military intervention.
The United States had offered a reward of up to $15 million (£11.1 million) for information leading to El Mencho’s arrest. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, established around 2009, has become one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico, known for its aggressive tactics, including attacks on the military and the use of drones and mines. In February 2025, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities are continuing to monitor for any further escalation of violence. The long-term impact of El Mencho’s death on the CJNG and the broader landscape of organized crime in Mexico remains to be seen. Continued vigilance and international cooperation will be crucial in addressing the challenges ahead.
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