Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) have launched coordinated attacks across 20 Mexican states following the death of their leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”
El Mencho died in custody on Sunday shortly after being captured by Mexican special forces. He had been seriously wounded during a firefight between his security detail and military commandos in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco. Authorities said he died while being transported to Mexico City. At least six of his bodyguards were killed in the operation, and three soldiers were injured.
As news of his death spread, CJNG members responded with widespread violence. Roads were blocked with burning vehicles, spikes, and debris. Buses were hijacked and set on fire, and numerous banks, pharmacies, and other local businesses were torched. Thick smoke was seen rising over several towns and cities, including the tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta.
In Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the upcoming Fifa World Cup, panic broke out at the airport after reports of gunfire near a nearby highway. Although authorities dismissed rumors of shots fired inside the terminal, travelers were seen running for cover. In many affected areas, residents were urged to remain indoors as streets emptied and public transport was suspended.
In Puerto Vallarta, tourists were instructed to shelter in place. Flights were canceled, leaving around 300 visitors stranded at the airport before they were escorted to the city center under heavy police protection. The UK Foreign Office advised travelers to exercise extreme caution, while the US State Department urged its nationals to shelter in place in multiple states, including Jalisco, Baja California, Quintana Roo, and parts of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.
The governor of Jalisco declared a “code red,” suspending public transport and canceling large gatherings and in-person classes. According to local media reports, more than 250 road blockades were recorded nationwide, though officials later said most had been cleared. Authorities confirmed at least 25 arrests linked to the unrest.
President Claudia Sheinbaum called on citizens to remain calm and stated that most parts of the country were functioning normally. She praised the security forces for carrying out the operation that led to El Mencho’s capture.
The United States had offered a $15m reward for information leading to his arrest. US officials described him as a major figure in fentanyl trafficking into the country. Mexico’s defence ministry said the operation was conducted by the army with support from the National Guard and Air Force, and that intelligence shared by the United States contributed to the mission’s success.
Security analysts say the scale of the retaliation highlights the CJNG’s operational reach and the risks that follow high-profile arrests of cartel leaders. Similar unrest has occurred in the past after the detention of other prominent figures in Mexico’s drug trade.
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