The military operation carried out by the Mexican Army this Sunday (22) which resulted in the death of drug trafficker Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), followed strict planning and mobilized special groups from the country and abroad.
The attack took place in the Tapalpa region, in the state of Jalisco, and included intelligence work and cooperation with United States authorities, according to official sources. The American government mentioned the use of a division specialized in combating drug cartels.
According to information provided by authorities, the initial objective was to capture “El Mencho”, one of the most wanted criminals in the world, who was under escort by accomplices when the confrontation with security forces occurred.
During the shooting, he was seriously injured and later died during the air transfer to Mexico City, the country’s capital, where he would be taken to receive medical care. The action also left cartel members dead and injured, as well as injured military personnel, and led to the seizure of weapons and vehicles.
The offensive was considered one of the most significant blows against drug trafficking in Mexico, with the CJNG being one of the most powerful and violent criminal organizations in the country, with international operations, rivaling other large Mexican cartels.
Embassies warn citizens after chaos generated by the death of “El Mencho”
Soon after the death of “El Mencho” was confirmed, the country registered a wave of violence, with roadblocks, vehicles set on fire and armed clashes in different regions, especially in the west and north of Mexico.
Local authorities activated emergency protocols and asked the population to remain in safe locations in the face of the escalation of attacks attributed to cartel members.
Faced with the unstable scenario, foreign embassies, including the United States, issued security alerts advising their citizens, tourists or residents, to take shelter and avoid travel.
The warnings mentioned ongoing security operations, road blockages and risks of new criminal actions in states such as Jalisco, Baja California and Quintana Roo and other important tourist destinations. The representations of Canada, Argentina, Germany, France, Poland and Russia also issued security alerts for their citizens in Mexico.
Airlines canceled dozens of flights to Mexican cities. Public transport and app services have been suspended in regions affected by the wave of violence, which has included roadblocks and vehicle fires.
Although the death of the CJNG leader represents a milestone in the war against drug trafficking, experts and authorities assess that the offensive also tends to provoke internal disputes and new waves of violence, as has already been observed in previous operations against organized crime bosses in Mexico.
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