Violence erupts in Mexico After Top Drug Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’ Killed

A surge of violence has emerged across parts of Mexico following the killing of the country’s most wanted drug lord during a major security operation reportedly supported by U.S. intelligence.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” was the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel. Authorities say he died after sustaining serious injuries during intense clashes between cartel fighters and Mexican soldiers on Sunday.

According to Mexico’s defence ministry, four suspected CJNG members were killed in the operation carried out in Tapalpa town in Jalisco state. Three members of the Mexican army were also injured during the confrontation.

Retaliatory attacks spread

Soon after news of his death emerged, violence spread rapidly across at least a dozen Mexican states. CJNG loyalists reportedly set up roadblocks using burning vehicles, causing widespread disruption.

Throughout Sunday, reports surfaced of gunmen appearing in several locations within Jalisco and beyond. Witnesses captured dramatic footage showing thick smoke rising over multiple cities, including Guadalajara, one of the planned host cities for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro responded by declaring a code red across the state. Authorities suspended public transport, cancelled mass gatherings and halted in-person classes as a precaution.

Tourist areas affected

Some visitors described the popular resort city of Puerto Vallarta as resembling a “war zone” amid the unrest.

Reports indicated that about 250 roadblocks were set up nationwide during the chaos, including 65 within Jalisco alone. In a later update, Mexico’s Security Cabinet said only four blockades remained active in the state.

Officials confirmed that 25 people had been arrested — 11 linked directly to the violence and 14 others suspected of looting and vandalism.

Authorities also reported that several shops were set ablaze and roughly 20 bank branches were attacked during the unrest.

Government urges calm

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured the public that federal and state agencies were working in “absolute coordination” to contain the situation. She urged citizens to remain calm and rely on verified information.

She added that most parts of the country were continuing with normal activities despite the disturbances.

Meanwhile, several international airlines — including Air Canada, United Airlines and American Airlines — cancelled flights to Jalisco due to security concerns.

International warnings issued

The United States government advised its citizens in five Mexican states — Jalisco, Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León — to shelter in place.

The United Kingdom also issued a security alert, warning travellers in Jalisco to exercise extreme caution and follow guidance from local authorities.

Major cartel figure

Late Sunday, U.S. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described El Mencho as a top target for both Mexico and the United States, citing his alleged role as a major fentanyl trafficker.

She said U.S. intelligence supported the operation, which reportedly left three cartel members dead, three wounded and two arrested.

El Mencho, 59, was a former police officer who built one of Mexico’s most feared criminal networks, responsible for moving large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States.

The U.S. State Department had previously placed a $15 million bounty on information leading to his capture.

Mexico’s defence ministry said the mission was carefully planned and executed by elite special forces.

Former DEA international operations chief Mike Vigil described the takedown as one of the most significant anti-drug operations in recent history.

By BBC