By Tanisha Mohanty
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, was killed by the Mexican forces on Sunday. Regarded as the most powerful drug lord of the country, El Mencho was the leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Renowned for its military prowess and fentanyl empire, the cartel has unleashed extensive violence and riots across all 20 states.
The Mexican special forces, along with the National Guard and Mexican Air Force, captured the drug lord in the southern part of Jalisco, in the mountainous region of Tapalpa. Around six guardsmen of the cartel, along with a couple military men, were reported to be injured.
As news of El Mencho’s death spread, street riots and ammunitive violence spread all over the country. Buses and vehicles are being torched, roads blocked, banks and pharmacies lit on fire by the cartel members. Major areas such as Guadalajara, Michoacan and Puerto Vallarta have been majorly affected.
Over 300 citizens were stranded at the Puerto Vallarta airport. Multiple videos also show smoke and arson spread across neighbourhoods. With numerous blockades and incessant unrest, citizens have been advised to remain indoors and cancel events. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum claimed that activities are continuing normally in “most parts of the country”. She also encouraged people to remain “calm and informed”.
The Mexican Ministry of Defence stated that the United States gave out “complementary information” to the country to carry out the operation. Mexico has been under pressure by Trump– to eradicate the drug cartels present across the country. US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also noted that CJNG and El Mencho had been the “top target” for the administration.
Only second to the infamous El Chapo, El Mencho’s death has triggered some of the most violent insurgencies in the last few years. An ex-police officer, the Jalisco leader had previously attempted to kill the Mexico City police force head. The cartel also had extensive presence in all the 50 US states as the main suppliers of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamines.