The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has triggered a wave of violence across Mexico, with widespread arson and road blockades reported in multiple states. The military operation that resulted in his death on Sunday has been met with a swift and forceful response from suspected cartel members, disrupting travel and daily life for residents and tourists alike.
The unrest unfolded within hours of the confirmation of El Mencho’s death, a significant blow to Mexico’s efforts to dismantle powerful drug trafficking organizations. Gunmen blocked highways, set vehicles and businesses ablaze, and engaged in sporadic gunfire, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. The violence underscores the deep-seated challenges facing the country as it continues to grapple with the influence of drug cartels and the resulting instability.
Several airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines, and Aeromexico, cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, a popular beach resort town, as smoke from the fires obscured ocean views and unsettled travelers. Tourists filmed the unfolding chaos, sharing videos of plumes of smoke rising into the sky, as authorities urged residents and visitors to remain indoors. Daniel Drolet, a Canadian who frequently vacations in Puerto Vallarta, expressed his concern, stating, “I have never seen anything like this before,” according to a Reuters report.
A member of the CJNG, speaking anonymously to Reuters, claimed the attacks were carried out in retaliation for El Mencho’s killing, warning of further bloodshed as different factions within the cartel vie for control. “The attacks were carried out in revenge for the leader’s death, at first against the government and out of discontent,” the source said. “But later, the internal killings are coming, by the groups moving in to take over.”
Violence Spreads Across Multiple States
The violence wasn’t confined to tourist destinations. Reports indicate disruptions in the states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Colima, and Aguascalientes, among others. In Jalisco, authorities reported an attack on a National Guard base and advised hotel guests to remain indoors. Videos shared by government security sources with Reuters showed a military tank moving through a residential neighborhood in Aguascalientes and roadblocks paralyzing the Mexico-Puebla highway. In Colima, cartel members blocked a road from pick-up trucks. The trucking industry voiced its concerns, with a group recommending drivers seek safe routes or return to their depots until the situation stabilizes.
The state of Guanajuato, a known stronghold for the CJNG, reported 55 incidents across 23 municipalities, resulting in 18 arrests, though authorities stated the situation was under control by evening. Residents in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, reported receiving warnings via WhatsApp groups to stay home, reflecting a widespread sense of fear and caution, according to local accounts.
Authorities have not yet reported any casualties beyond the cartel members and officials killed during the military operation. Still, the potential for further violence remains high, as evidenced by the cartel’s immediate and widespread response.
A History of Retaliation
This latest outbreak of violence follows a pattern of retaliation seen in previous instances of cartel leadership arrests or killings. In 2019, the brief detention and subsequent release of Ovidio Guzmán, son of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán, sparked intense gun battles. Similarly, his arrest in 2023 led to further unrest. The 2024 arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, triggered a prolonged power struggle within that organization. These incidents demonstrate a tendency for Mexican authorities to hesitate before launching large-scale operations against cartel leaders, fearing the potential for widespread violence.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, a former ambassador to Mexico, expressed his sadness and concern over the situation, stating on social media, “It’s not surprising that the poor guys are responding with terror. But we must never lose our nerve.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the violence in a social media post but sought to reassure the public, stating, “In most of the national territory, activities are happening with absolute normalcy.”
VIDEO | El Mencho killed in Mexico cartel raid:
The long-term impact of El Mencho’s death on the CJNG and the broader landscape of drug trafficking in Mexico remains to be seen. While his removal represents a significant victory for Mexican authorities, the immediate response demonstrates the cartel’s continued capacity for violence and disruption. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether the Mexican government can effectively capitalize on this opportunity to dismantle the CJNG and restore stability to the affected regions.
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