Mexico deploys 10,000 troops after cartel kingpin killed

Violence erupted across Mexico this past weekend after Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed in a shootout with soldiers in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The army reported that Oseguera died while being flown to Mexico City, sparking chaos in towns and cities from Jalisco to Michoacan.

Roads blocked, businesses torched

News of El Mencho’s death triggered immediate unrest. Cartel members reportedly blocked roads in at least 20 states, set vehicles and businesses on fire, and even orchestrated a prison break in Jalisco, allowing 23 inmates to escape amid heavy gunfire.

Casualties were high: authorities confirmed 27 security forces members, 46 suspected criminals, and one civilian died during the weekend clashes.

Residents of Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital, described streets eerily quiet, with schools closed and public transport largely suspended. Shoppers lined up outside the few open stores, particularly tortilla shops, to stock up as pharmacies and almost all businesses remained shut.

“I couldn’t sleep,” said local resident Maria de Jesus Gonzalez. “Now I’m a little calmer, but I’m still afraid.”

Troop deployment and government response

In response to the unrest, the Mexican government dispatched an additional 2,500 troops to Jalisco, bringing total forces to 10,000. Authorities emphasized the operation aimed to stabilize regions and prevent further chaos, particularly in areas hosting this year’s FIFA World Cup matches.

The Defence Ministry confirmed that key intelligence from US authorities helped locate Oseguera. One of his girlfriends reportedly provided a trail that led Mexican forces to his ranch. During the operation, two suspected cartel members were arrested, and a cache of weaponsincluding rocket launchers capable of downing planeswas seized.

President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed that no US forces were directly involved in the operation.

Power vacuum concerns

El Mencho, 59, was one of the last drug lords in the brutal mould of Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman and Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada. His death raises concerns of a violent power struggle within CJNG. Analysts warn that without a clear successor, the cartel could splinter, leading to unpredictable clashes and further insecurity.

David Mora from the Crisis Group noted, “The absence of a direct succession opens the door to violent realignments within the organisation.”

El Mencho’s son, Ruben “El Menchito” Oseguera Gonzalez, was convicted in the US last year, limiting the next generation of leadership within the cartel. Authorities also confirmed the death of his right-hand man, Hugo H., known as “El Tuli.”

Impact on civilians and tourism

The unrest was felt far beyond Jalisco. In Aguillila, Michoacan, blockades and smoke from burning vehicles were visible on social media, while the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, a hotspot for international tourists experienced heightened anxiety. Travel advisories were issued by the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, and dozens of flights were cancelled.

Local residents and tourists went into hiding over the weekend, and even as calm returned, many shops and schools remained closed Monday, underscoring lingering fear.

Juan Soler, a retiree from Guadalajara, summarized the tension: “Nearly everything is closed. People are waiting to see what happens next.”

International dimension

CJNG is classified by Washington as a terrorist organisation and is accused of trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States. The raid comes amid pressure from former President Trump’s administration for Mexico to curb drug flows or face potential tariffs.

As Mexico attempts to stabilize its cities and prevent retaliatory attacks, analysts warn the country could see further violence in the coming weeks as rival factions attempt to seize control of CJNG’s operations.

The death of El Mencho marks a pivotal moment in Mexico’s ongoing struggle against its most violent cartels, a moment that could either restore order or plunge the country into an even more dangerous spiral.

{Source: IOL}

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