Get you up to speed: Seventy-three dead in violence following the capture attempt of El Mencho in Jalisco
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’, was killed in the western state of Jalisco during a military operation. The operation resulted in at least 73 deaths, including 25 Mexican troops and eight of El Mencho’s security personnel. Following his death, significant chaos ensued, including burning vehicles used to block military operations across various parts of Mexico.
At least 73 individuals have died following the attempt to capture Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as ‘El Mencho’, according to Mexican security officials. Defence Secretary Omar García Harfuch stated that 70 people have been arrested across seven states in connection with the raid that resulted in El Mencho’s death. President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed concerns about the historical patterns of violence following the elimination of cartel leaders, highlighting the need for a reassessment of past strategies.
Following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho,’ at least 70 individuals have been arrested across seven states, as reported by Mexico’s Defence Secretary, Omar García Harfuch. The aftermath of El Mencho’s death has led to significant unrest, with major airlines, including Air Canada, suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta and advising customers against going to the airport. Additionally, President Claudia Sheinbaum has acknowledged the risk of retaliatory violence from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution.
What we know so far
At least 73 killed trying to capture El Mencho after a tip-off from ‘lover’ | News World
National Guards remove a pedestrian around the General Prosecutor’s headquarters in Mexico City (Picture: AP)
At least 73 people have been killed in the attempt to capture Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader, ‘El Mencho’, amid fears of waves of violence in retaliation.
‘El Mencho’, whose real name is Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, was killed in the western state of Jalisco.
The body count, which is expected to rise, was taken by security officials and included security forces, suspected cartel members and others.
In a different location in Jalisco, soldiers also killed another high-ranking cartel member who Mr Trevilla said was coordinating violence and offering more than 1,000 dollars for every soldier killed.
More than 1,000 people were stuck overnight in Guadalajara’s zoo, where they slept in buses.
In a press conference today with President Claudia Sheinbaum and Defence Minister Ricardo Trevilla, it was revealed that the raid was triggered after El Mencho’s ‘romantic partner’ tipped off authorities.
Mexico’s Defence Secretary, Omar García Harfuch, said 70 people in seven states across the country have been arrested.
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Minister Trevilla broke down in tears as he shared that 25 Mexican troops were killed as a result of the mission on El Mencho. Eight of El Mencho’s security were killed in the process.
After the kingpin’s death, 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.
The chaos which unfolded in the aftermath of his death 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?
Photos of damaged helicopters in the raid were shown at the press conference (Picture: AFP)
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.
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Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel pose of a photo at an undisclosed location (Picture: Reuters)
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’?
Cervantes died while on the way to hospital in Mexico City (Picture: Reuters)
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?
Cartel members set fire to dozens of vehicles (Picture: AFP)
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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