One of Mexico’s most feared drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” was killed on Sunday after being injured during a military operation, triggering waves of retaliatory violence across the country.
Mexico’s defence ministry said Oseguera, 60, was captured by special forces during a raid in Tapalpa, a town in the western state of Jalisco. He was wounded in the operation and died while being transported to Mexico City for medical treatment. His body was later flown to the capital under heavy guard by the National Guard.
Oseguera was the founder and long-time leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal groups. Under his leadership, the cartel expanded rapidly, moving beyond drug trafficking into fuel theft, extortion, human smuggling and financial fraud. CJNG also became notorious for its use of extreme violence, including drone attacks and forced recruitment.
Following news of his death, cartel operatives launched coordinated attacks in multiple states. Armed groups blocked highways with burning vehicles and torched banks, supermarkets and other businesses. Officials said violence was reported in more than a dozen states, including Jalisco, though no civilian deaths were immediately confirmed.
In the coastal resort city of Puerto Vallarta, tourists described scenes of panic as smoke rose across the bay. Several major airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines and Aeromexico, suspended flights to and from the area. Authorities urged residents and visitors to remain indoors, while some public transport services were halted.
Much of the unrest centred on Guadalajara, a major urban hub and one of Mexico’s largest cities. Videos shared on social media showed fires, roadblocks and armed men on the streets. Schools in several states cancelled classes on Monday as a precaution.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said security forces had been deployed nationwide to contain the violence. She urged the public to remain calm, stating that daily activities were continuing as normal in most parts of the country. She also said more details about the operation would be released by security officials.
The raid marks one of the biggest blows against organised crime in Mexico in recent years. It comes amid growing pressure from Washington on Mexico to crack down on drug cartels blamed for smuggling fentanyl and other narcotics into the United States.
U.S. officials confirmed that American intelligence support was provided, but stressed that the operation was carried out solely by Mexican forces. The White House praised the Mexican military for what it called a successful operation.
Experts warned, however, that Oseguera’s death could lead to prolonged instability. Analysts say CJNG may fracture into rival factions, triggering internal power struggles and further bloodshed, a pattern seen after the capture or killing of other cartel leaders.
While the killing of El Mencho is seen as a major security victory, it has also highlighted the delicate balance President Sheinbaum faces: intensifying action against cartels while managing public safety and safeguarding Mexico’s sovereignty amid close cooperation with the United States.
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