Mexico City: Violence has erupted across Mexico following confirmation of the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the country’s most wanted cartel leader and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Mexico’s Defense Ministry reported that Oseguera was critically wounded during clashes in the town of Tapalpa, later succumbing to his injuries.
Four suspected CJNG members were also killed, while three soldiers sustained injuries during the operation.
Retaliation and Widespread Unrest
In the hours following his death, CJNG-linked groups reportedly launched violent reprisals across multiple regions. Gunmen appeared on streets, major roads were blocked, and vehicles were set ablaze.
Smoke plumes were reported in cities including Guadalajara, one of the upcoming FIFA World Cup host cities.
Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a statewide “code red”, halting public transport, cancelling large gatherings, and suspending in-person classes.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos in Puerto Vallarta, with widespread fires and heavy security deployment.
Hundreds of roadblocks were reported nationwide at the peak of the violence, though Jalisco authorities later confirmed the number of active blockades had decreased.
The national security cabinet reported 25 arrests, including individuals involved in looting, violent acts, and arson attacks on shops and roughly 20 bank branches.
Government Response and Travel Disruptions
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that state and federal agencies were coordinating closely, urging residents to remain calm and rely on verified updates. Despite the unrest, much of the country continued to operate normally.
Travel was also affected: several airlines cancelled flights to Jalisco, the United States issued shelter-in-place guidance, and the UK warned of serious incidents in the state, advising travelers to follow local instructions.
US officials confirmed that Washington had provided intelligence support to Mexico for the operation.
El Mencho’s Criminal Legacy
El Mencho, aged 59, was a former police officer who became one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal figures. He was accused by US authorities of trafficking large quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl, into the United States.
The US had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
The death of El Mencho marks a major turning point in Mexico’s ongoing battle against organized crime, though experts warn that CJNG could continue violent reprisals in the short term.
