“El Mencho” killing triggers roadblocks and cartel violence across Mexico
In Jalisco, Governor Pablo Lemus advised people not to use highways and said violent incidents had spread to “at least five federal entities.”
The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), triggered a wave of violence on Sunday marked by road blockades, vehicle burnings and armed incidents across multiple parts of Mexico, with Jalisco at the center and spillover into neighboring and other states.
In its first official account, the Mexican Army said troops came under attack during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and returned fire: four alleged CJNG members died at the scene, while three others —including “El Mencho”— died during an air transfer to Mexico City. The report also said three soldiers were wounded.
Jalisco authorities urged residents to stay at home and announced the suspension of public transport, in-person classes and mass events, while other states set up security coordination meetings and issued alerts amid concerns the violence could spread.
The US offered up to US$15 million for information leading to the capture of “El Mencho.”
N+ Univision reported blockades and vehicle fires across a dozen states, including Tamaulipas, Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Baja California, Querétaro, Puebla, Guerrero, Aguascalientes, Colima and Quintana Roo.
In Jalisco, Governor Pablo Lemus advised people not to use highways and said violent incidents had spread to “at least five federal entities.” Federal authorities later reported 21 active roadblocks still being handled in the state.
The turmoil reached key facilities in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. While authorities said airports were not closed, several airlines canceled flights “until passenger safety can be guaranteed,” and Mexico’s Security Cabinet said Guadalajara airport and shopping centers were operating normally after incidents that included an attack on 20 branches of the Banco del Bienestar.
The U.S. Embassy issued an alert urging citizens to “shelter in place” in specified areas due to “roadblocks and related criminal activity,” including Jalisco (Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara) and parts of Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León. From Washington, U.S. Under Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote: “It is not surprising that the bad guys are responding with terror.”
Mexico’s Defense Ministry also confirmed the operation took place within a framework of bilateral cooperation, citing “complementary information” provided by U.S. authorities, as the country braced for further instability following a high-profile cartel blow.
