Mexico descends into violent chaos after drug lord El Mencho is shot dead

The killing of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader, ‘El Mencho’ has sparked unrest, fires and chaos across tourist hotspots in Mexico.

‘El Mencho’, whose real name is Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, was killed in the western state of Jalisco.

His death triggered unrest and hours of roadblocks, with vehicles set ablaze across the state, including in the tourist hot spots of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the tourist city in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the state’s capital in panic.

Burning vehicles and setting up roadblocks are commonly used by cartels to block military operations.

El Mencho was wounded during an operation to capture him in Tapalpa but died while being flown to Mexico City for treatment, the Defence Department said.

The chaos which unfolded in the aftermath of his death, however, prompted major airlines, including Air Canada, to suspend flights to Puerto Vallarta and urge customers not to go to the airport.

What is the Jalisco New Generation Cartel?

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as CJNG, is one of the most powerful and fastest-growing criminal organisations in Mexico and was born in 2009.

The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military – including on helicopters – and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines.

In 2020, it carried out a spectacular assassination attempt with grenades and high-powered rifles in the heart of Mexico City against the then head of the capital’s police force and now federal security secretary.

The DEA considers the cartel to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico’s most infamous criminal groups, with a presence in all 50 US states.

It is one of the main suppliers of cocaine to the US market and, like the Sinaloa cartel, earns billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines.

Who is ‘El Mencho’?

Oseguera Cervantes has been significantly involved in drug trafficking activities since the 1990s.

He was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin in the US District Court for the Northern District of California in 1994 and served nearly three years in prison.

Following his release from custody, Oseguera Cervantes returned to Mexico and reengaged in drug trafficking activity.

Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has been indicted several times in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

What have Mexico and the US said?

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, like her predecessor, has criticised the ‘kingpin’ strategy of previous administrations that took out cartel leaders only to trigger explosions of violence as cartels fractured.

But since US President Donald Trump took office a year ago, she has been under tremendous pressure to show results against drug trafficking.

Earlier today, it was revealed that US intelligence helped aid Mexico in the raid that killed El Mencho. It comes just a year after the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organisation.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement: ‘President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved.’

The US State Department warned US citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon states to remain in safe places because of the ongoing security operations.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico?

The UK Foreign Office issued an advisory today to Brits in Mexico and those heading to the country for vacation.

‘Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked,’ it reads.

‘You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.’

The US has also urged citizens in Mexico to ‘shelter in place’ until the violence stops.

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