Mexico Cartel Chaos: 25 Guards Killed in Retaliation After 'El Mencho' Raid
Mexico is on high alert after cartel gunmen launched a violent rampage of revenge following the death of their leader, the notorious drug lord known as "El Mencho." Federal forces attempted to capture Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday, but the raid escalated into a firefight that fatally wounded the infamous mob boss and killed six of his accomplices, according to official reports.
Retaliatory Attacks and Casualties
In the wake of the raid, retaliatory cartel attacks have resulted in the deaths of 25 members of the National Guard and one security guard, as confirmed by Mexico's security minister, Omar García Harfuch. He also reported that 30 cartel operatives and one bystander were killed in the ensuing violence. The chaos has left streets empty as residents seek shelter from the retaliatory strikes.
El Mencho, 59, was one of the world's most wanted drug traffickers, leading the heavily armed Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which had risen to become the country's most powerful criminal organization. Defence minister Ricardo Trevilla revealed that information leading to the capture and death of Mexico's most-wanted man originated from a romantic partner.
Widespread Disruption and Travel Warnings
In western Mexico, schools were forced to close, and international travellers found themselves stranded as cartel foot soldiers blocked roads by setting cars and buses ablaze. Several foreign governments issued travel warnings in response to the escalating situation. Drone footage captured multiple fires across Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, highlighting the extent of the destruction.
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, and authorities announced that all of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states had been cleared. However, it remains uncertain whether the violence will subside. Historical precedents show that operations targeting organized crime bosses often trigger eruptions of bloodshed and chaos as cartels retaliate against government actions.
Potential Power Vacuum and Future Violence
David Mora, a Mexico analyst for the International Crisis Group, warned of an expected spike in violence. "El Mencho was a very powerful figure who ran a very centralized organization. There is no clear direct heir or successor," he explained. This lack of leadership could ignite internal struggles for control within the CJNG, while rival cartels might seize the opportunity to launch turf wars, exacerbating the instability.
Impact on Tourism and Daily Life
Authorities in Puerto Vallarta, a popular seaside tourist destination in Jalisco state, advised residents to stay indoors as violence erupted. Videos shared on social media depicted cars and buildings ablaze, with tourists seen walking on beaches as smoke billowed in the distance. In Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city and a scheduled host for the 2026 World Cup, streets were nearly deserted on Sunday as fearful residents remained indoors.
More than 1,000 people sought refuge overnight in Guadalajara's zoo to escape the chaos outside, according to its director, Luis Soto Rendón. "We decided to let people stay inside the zoo for their safety. There are small children and senior citizens," he stated, underscoring the desperation of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Government Response and International Implications
Amid a fast-moving situation, rumors spread that major airports had shut down after videos showed people running for cover in airport halls. The government clarified that while some flights had been diverted, airports in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Tepic were operating normally. The ministry of foreign affairs released a statement on Monday aiming to reassure the public, emphasizing that "in Mexico, the rule of law prevails, and under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum, work continues every day to ensure security and wellbeing in our country."
Internationally, former U.S. President Donald Trump has recently threatened direct military action against cartels, and the White House confirmed that the U.S. provided intelligence support for the raid. Mora suggested that the operation served as a message from the Mexican government to the White House, demonstrating that Mexico can handle cartel threats independently without U.S. military involvement.
