Mexico has been plunged into a fresh wave of insecurity following the killing of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.” The drug lord, who led the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died after being wounded in a military clash in western Mexico, a development that quickly triggered retaliatory violence across several regions.
Authorities said the confrontation took place in Jalisco state, where Oseguera was injured during a raid and later died while being transported to the capital.
Streets burn as cartel retaliation unfolds
Within hours of the news spreading, violence erupted across multiple states. Armed groups torched vehicles, blocked highways, and clashed with security forces, creating widespread panic and travel disruptions.
The state of Jalisco was among the hardest hit. In the major city of Guadalajara, streets emptied as residents sheltered indoors amid reports of gunfire and road blockades. Authorities suspended public transport and closed schools as a precaution.
Videos circulating online showed smoke rising above roads and frightened civilians fleeing public spaces, underscoring the scale of the unrest.
Tourist hubs caught in the chaos
The ripple effects reached tourist destinations as well. Security alerts were issued in Puerto Vallarta, a popular beach resort, prompting airlines to cancel flights and foreign governments to issue travel warnings.
Officials in several countries urged citizens to remain indoors or avoid travel to affected regions as security forces tried to regain control.
Government calls for calm
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the security operation while urging citizens to remain calm. She emphasized coordination between federal and local authorities, stating that most of the country remained stable despite localized outbreaks of violence.
The military reported that several cartel members were killed or arrested during the operation, and large caches of weapons, including heavy arms, were seized.
A major blow to one of Mexico’s most feared cartels
Oseguera’s death marks one of the most significant cartel blows in recent years. Analysts compare it to the capture of Joaquin Guzman, better known as El Chapo, once leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The CJNG has long been considered among Mexico’s most violent criminal networks, with extensive drug trafficking operations reaching into the United States and beyond.
International pressure and cooperation
The raid reportedly involved intelligence sharing with US agencies, reflecting growing cross-border cooperation against organized crime. Washington has increased pressure on Mexico to intensify anti-cartel operations, particularly amid concerns over fentanyl trafficking.
During the presidency of Donald Trump, US officials repeatedly called for stronger action against drug cartels, at times raising the possibility of direct intervention, a stance that stirred diplomatic tensions.
Who was El Mencho?
A former police officer turned crime boss, Oseguera built a powerful criminal empire over decades. Rising through Mexico’s underworld, he helped form the CJNG in the late 2000s, transforming it into a dominant trafficking force known for extreme violence and military-style operations.
US law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, had listed him among the world’s most wanted fugitives, with a multimillion-dollar bounty on his head.
What comes next
Security experts warn that the aftermath of Oseguera’s death could trigger internal power struggles within the CJNG, potentially leading to further instability. History suggests that removing cartel leaders often fragments criminal networks, sparking turf wars rather than ending violence.
For now, Mexican authorities face the immediate challenge of restoring order while preventing retaliation from spreading further, a reminder that even the fall of a cartel kingpin rarely brings instant peace.
