The Digest:
Violence has erupted across multiple Mexican states after troops killed Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel, in a military operation in his home state of Jalisco on Sunday. The 59-year-old former police officer, Mexico's most-wanted drug lord, was notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States. Four cartel members were killed at the scene, with three others, including El Mencho, dying while being flown to Mexico City. The US provided intelligence support, with the State Department having offered a $15 million reward for his capture. His death triggered chaos as cartel members barricaded roads, torched vehicles, and clashed with authorities. Violence spread to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, a 2026 World Cup host city, and Tapalpa, forcing airlines to cancel dozens of flights and schools to close. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizens to remain calm.
Key Points:
- El Mencho's death deals a major blow to Mexico's most powerful cartel.
- Violent reprisals disrupt daily life, including in World Cup host city Guadalajara.
- Citizens face chaos, while authorities struggle to contain cartel retaliation.
- This signals the volatile aftermath of high-profile cartel leader killings.
- The timing, with US intelligence support, reflects binational cooperation.
Sources: New York Times, Mexican Government, Social Media
