Violence Erupts Across Mexico After Drug Kingpin El Mencho Assassinated
The killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has ignited a wave of violence and chaos across Mexico. This incident, occurring in the western state of Jalisco, has led to hours of unrest, with roadblocks and vehicles set ablaze, particularly affecting tourist destinations such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
Unrest and Chaos in Tourist Hotspots
Following El Mencho's death, social media videos depicted plumes of smoke rising over Guadalajara and panicked individuals fleeing through the airport in the state capital. The cartel's tactics, including burning vehicles and establishing roadblocks, are commonly used to obstruct military operations. The Defence Department reported that El Mencho was wounded during a capture operation in Tapalpa and succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Mexico City for medical treatment.
The ensuing turmoil prompted major airlines, including Air Canada, to suspend flights to Puerto Vallarta and advise customers against traveling to the airport. This disruption highlights the immediate impact on tourism and transportation in the region.
Background on the Jalisco New Generation Cartel
The CJNG, established in 2009, is recognized as one of Mexico's most powerful and rapidly expanding criminal organizations. Known for its aggressive assaults on military forces, including attacks on helicopters, the cartel has pioneered the use of explosives launched from drones and the installation of mines. In 2020, it executed a high-profile assassination attempt in Mexico City against the then-head of the capital's police force, who now serves as the federal security secretary.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers the CJNG as formidable as the infamous Sinaloa cartel, with operations extending across all 50 U.S. states. It is a primary supplier of cocaine to the U.S. market and generates billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines.
Profile of El Mencho
El Mencho has been deeply involved in drug trafficking since the 1990s. In 1994, he was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, serving nearly three years in prison. After his release, he returned to Mexico and resumed his criminal activities. Since 2017, he has faced multiple indictments in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
Responses from Mexico and the United States
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has criticized the 'kingpin' strategy employed by previous administrations, which often led to increased violence as cartels fragmented. However, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who took office a year ago, she has faced demands to demonstrate results in combating drug trafficking.
It was recently disclosed that U.S. intelligence assisted Mexico in the raid that resulted in El Mencho's death, following the Trump administration's designation of the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization a year prior. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, 'President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved.'
The U.S. State Department has issued warnings to U.S. citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon states, advising them to remain in secure locations due to ongoing security operations.
