Violence Erupts Across Mexico After Killing of CJNG Leader ‘El Mencho’
Armed attacks spread across multiple states after Mexican forces kill cartel chief Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes in a military operation
Mexico | PUREWILAYAH.COM - The killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has triggered a wave of violence across several parts of the country.
The Mexican Secretariat of National Defense said Oseguera was wounded during a clash with soldiers in the town of Tapalpa, in the western state of Jalisco, on Sunday. He later died while being transported by air to Mexico City.
Oseguera, 59, led one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations and was among the most wanted drug traffickers by both Mexican and US authorities.
Widespread Violence Follows Killing
The operation sparked coordinated violence in more than half a dozen states, including Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Nayarit, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas. Gunmen torched vehicles, blocked highways, and engaged in armed activity in several locations.
Jalisco’s capital, Guadalajara, descended into near-total shutdown as residents stayed indoors. Videos circulated online showed passengers running through Guadalajara Airport amid reports of gunfire nearby.
In the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, smoke was seen rising from burning vehicles as security forces attempted to regain control.
Emergency Measures Imposed
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus urged residents to remain at home and announced the suspension of public transportation. Schools were closed on Monday in several affected states as a precautionary measure.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the security forces and called for calm, stating that federal and state authorities were operating in full coordination and that normal activity continued across most of the country.
Details of the Raid
The Defense Secretariat said the raid was conducted using “complementary information” provided by US authorities. Four CJNG members were killed during the operation, while two others died during their transfer to Mexico City.
Two suspects were arrested, and authorities seized armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other weapons. Three members of the armed forces were wounded and are receiving medical treatment.
US Welcomes Operation, Issues Security Warnings
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed the killing, describing Oseguera as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.”
“This is a great development for Mexico, the United States, Latin America, and the world,” Landau said.
The US State Department issued a security warning advising American citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León to remain in safe locations amid ongoing operations.
Flights Suspended, Travel Alerts Issued
Canada also issued travel warnings for parts of Jalisco, Guerrero, and Michoacán, citing shootouts and explosions. Canadian authorities advised citizens in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place.
Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta, citing security concerns. United Airlines and American Airlines also cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
Authorities said security operations remain ongoing as forces seek to contain the unrest and prevent further escalation following the death of the CJNG leader.
The military operation against Oseguera follows a pressure campaign from the administration of US President Donald Trump on Sheinbaum’s government to ramp up its crackdown on drug trafficking, including threats to intervene directly in Mexico. (PW)