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World4 min(s) read
Mexico has plunged into chaos after the death of one of the country’s most feared drug lords triggered a wave of violence stretching across at least 20 states — forcing the government to deploy thousands of soldiers and prompting the US Embassy to issue urgent warnings to its citizens.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes — better known as “El Mencho” — died in custody on Sunday shortly after being captured by Mexican special forces in Jalisco state.
What followed was a nationwide eruption of unrest that left streets deserted, vehicles torched, and entire towns on edge.
In response to the violence, Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla confirmed that an extra 2,500 soldiers had been sent to western Mexico on Monday, per BBC News.
The government said that about 9,500 troops have been deployed overall since Sunday in an effort to restore order.
El Mencho was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most feared criminal organizations.
He had long been considered the country’s most wanted man, with the US State Department offering a $15m (£11.1m) reward for information leading to his capture.
According to Trevilla, El Mencho was tracked down after authorities followed a romantic partner he was planning to meet. The operation to capture him was carried out by the Mexican army, supported by the country’s National Guard and the Air Force.
The Mexican Ministry of Defence confirmed that “complementary information” provided by the US had helped seize the drug lord. However, Mexico confirmed on Monday that no US forces were involved in his killing.
As news of El Mencho’s death spread, members of his cartel launched coordinated attacks across towns and cities where the CJNG is active.
Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said a prison guard, a member of the state prosecutor's office, and 30 members of El Mencho's criminal organisation had been killed in the unrest since his death.
At least 25 members of Mexico's National Guard have died in Jalisco state since the violence erupted, the country's security minister said.
In multiple towns, cartel members scattered spikes and nails across highways to puncture tires and halt traffic. Elsewhere, they hijacked buses and other vehicles before setting them ablaze in the middle of the road.
Dozens of banks and local businesses were damaged after being set alight by cartel members.
By Monday morning, President Claudia Sheinbaum said the road blocks had been cleared.
"There is calm, there is government, there are armed forces, and there is a lot of co-ordination," Sheinbaum said.
She also praised the army’s operation that led to El Mencho’s death and emphasized that her priority is to guarantee peace and security across the country.
The unrest prompted immediate action from US officials, per CNN.
The US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico urged American citizens to shelter in place amid “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.”
US government staff across the country were told to work from home, and the embassy advised that American citizens “should do the same.”
Cities in Jalisco state — including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara — were listed among those affected. The embassy also mentioned cities in Baja California, Quintana Roo, Nayarit State and Sinaloa.
Operations on toll roads in Puebla, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Nayarit, San Luis Potosi, Tijuana, Queretaro, Veracruz and Mazatlan were “temporarily curtailed,” because of “blockades that have affected motorists.”
The embassy instructed Americans to “seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements,” and to “avoid areas around law enforcement activity.”
Citizens were also advised to monitor local media for updates and follow directions from local authorities.
Late last night, Mexico’s Security Cabinet said that most roadblocks had been cleared and major roads reopened after waves of violence.
Several other countries also issued warnings and instructions to their citizens following the eruption of unrest.
