Widespread violence erupted across Mexico on Sunday following the army’s killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho”, the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The Operation
El Mencho, one of the world’s most wanted drug lords, was killed during a shoot-out in Tapalpa, Jalisco, as Mexican forces attempted to capture him. The cartel boss, notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States, died while being flown to Mexico City after sustaining injuries in the clash.
The White House confirmed that US intelligence support aided the operation, applauding Mexico’s military for taking down a figure long considered a top target by both governments.
Violent Fallout
Cartel members retaliated by blocking roads and setting vehicles ablaze across 20 states, creating more than 250 roadblocks. Authorities reported at least 14 deaths, including seven National Guard troops.
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, announcing that most blockades had been cleared by late Sunday. Still, fear gripped residents in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, which was largely shut down. Flights into the city were suspended, and the international airport operated with limited staff.
Videos circulating online showed smoke rising near Puerto Vallarta’s beaches, while travelers at airports huddled together, fearful of further attacks.
International and Domestic Reactions
US Ambassador Ron Johnson praised Mexico’s armed forces, noting unprecedented levels of bilateral cooperation under Presidents Trump and Sheinbaum. Analysts, however, warned that rival cartels may exploit CJNG’s weakened state to expand their influence.
Mexico analyst David Mora of the International Crisis Group said:
“This might be a moment in which those other groups see that the cartel is weakened and want to seize the opportunity to expand control.”
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet officials condemned the violence, stressing that Mexico’s confrontational military strategy signals to Washington that the country can tackle organized crime without foreign troops.
Background
El Mencho’s cartel, formed in 2009, became one of Mexico’s most violent and innovative criminal organizations, pioneering the use of explosives launched from drones and mines. The CJNG was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration in 2025.
The cartel’s attacks included a high-profile assassination attempt in 2020 against Mexico City’s police chief, underscoring its capacity to challenge state authority.
Conclusion
The death of El Mencho marks a major victory for Mexican and US authorities, but the immediate surge in violence highlights the fragility of security in Mexico. As schools remain closed and residents shelter indoors, the country braces for the cartel’s next move and the broader implications for regional stability.
