The death of drug trafficker Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, on Sunday (22) sparked a wave of violence and chaos in several cities across Mexico, with roadblocks, school closures, and flight cancellations.
According to Omar Garcia Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security, on Monday (23) at least 25 members of the National Guard were killed by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel during the operation. Harfuch added that a prison guard, a member of the state prosecutor’s office, and 30 members of the criminal organization also died.
Regarded as founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), El Mencho was one of the most wanted drug traffickers by Mexico and the United States. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) included the Mexican on its most-wanted list in 2020 and offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
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In January, the newspaper The New York Times revealed that the U.S. president, Donald Trump, pressured Mexico for American forces to enter Mexican territory to carry out joint operations against cartels.
CJNG is one of the largest criminal groups in Mexico, linked to international drug trafficking – especially fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the U.S. On Sunday, the 22nd, the Mexican Army carried out an operation against the cartel in the town of Tapalpa, about 130 kilometers from Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco.
In addition to El Mencho, at least six other criminals were killed, and three soldiers were injured during the shootout, according to the agency. Two CJNG members were arrested, and several weapons were seized – including a launcher capable of downing aircraft and destroying armored vehicles. With the operation, the Mexican government hopes to ease pressure coming from the United States.
Impact on Citizens’ Daily Routines
More than 250 roads were blocked with vehicles set on fire by armed men in Jalisco and in 19 other states. According to the Mexican Security Cabinet, about 90% of the blockades were cleared by Sunday night.
Businesses were also set on fire in Jalisco. According to the state government, 81 Oxxo convenience stores were looted or damaged in at least five cities. The state administration urged citizens to stay home and suspended public transport for the entire Sunday. Service was gradually resumed on Monday, the 23rd.
Classes were suspended on Monday in elementary, middle, and higher education institutions, public and private, in Jalisco. At least seven other states also suspended classes amid the wave of violence.
The Pacific Airports Group (GAP) reported that all international operations and most domestic operations at Puerto Vallarta International Airport were canceled on Sunday by decision of the airlines. According to the operator, Guadalajara International Airport did not report cancellations or disruptions to its operations.
GAP had not yet issued updates on the airports’ status on Monday, but the Flight Radar flight-tracking site showed that dozens of flights were canceled.
The violence also impacted the Mexican Championship, which had to postpone four matches scheduled for Sunday. One of them would take place at La Corregidora Stadium, in the city of Querétaro, where the Mexican national team has a friendly against Iceland on Wednesday the 25th. The match is part of the preparation for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada – with four matches planned to be held in Guadalajara. (With international agencies).
James Whitmore