A deadly security operation in western Mexico has set off a wave of violence across the country, after the killing of one of its most powerful and feared drug lords.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, died on Sunday after being seriously wounded during clashes between Mexican special forces and gunmen loyal to his cartel. He was 59.
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El Mencho led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, widely known as CJNG, a vast criminal network blamed for trafficking large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States.
The Mexican defence ministry said the operation took place in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state. Four suspected cartel members were killed, and three soldiers were injured. Authorities described the mission as carefully planned and executed by special forces.
But within hours, violence spread far beyond the site of the raid.
CJNG gunmen blocked highways with burning vehicles in at least a dozen states. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over several cities, including Guadalajara, which is due to host matches during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. In the coastal resort of Puerto Vallarta, tourists described scenes of chaos. One visitor told Reuters it felt like a war zone.
Officials reported around 250 roadblocks at the height of the unrest, including 65 in Jalisco alone. In its latest update, the federal security cabinet said four blockades remained active in the state. Twenty five people have been arrested. Eleven face accusations linked to violent acts, while 14 others are suspected of looting. About 20 bank branches were attacked, and several shops were set on fire.
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Claudia Sheinbaum said there was absolute coordination between federal and state authorities. “In most parts of the country, activities are proceeding normally,” she said, urging citizens to remain calm and informed.
The United States confirmed it had provided intelligence that helped Mexican forces track El Mencho. Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, said he was “a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland”.
The US State Department had offered a 15 million dollar reward for information leading to his capture.
Mike Vigil, former head of international operations at the US Drug Enforcement Administration, told CBS the raid was “one of the most significant actions undertaken in the history of drug trafficking”.
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