Large parts of western Mexico have been brought to a near standstill following a wave of cartel violence triggered by a military raid that killed one of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers, known as “El Mencho.”
Schools closed in several states, and foreign governments warned their citizens to stay indoors after the drug lord, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, was confirmed dead on Sunday.
The 59-year-old cartel leader was killed in a shootout after Mexican military forces, acting on U.S. intelligence, attempted to capture him. The U.S. has been urging Mexico to take stronger action against groups trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
The operation immediately sparked widespread violence, with gunmen blocking major roads, setting cars and buses on fire, and clashing with government forces. Officials reported attacks in 20 of Mexico’s 31 states.
The Mexican newspaper La Jornada reported at least 26 deaths in the unrest, centered in the western state of Jalisco, including a pregnant woman caught in crossfire between troops and cartel fighters. The victims included 17 state and federal security force members and eight members of El Mencho’s organization, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), now Mexico’s most powerful and notorious criminal group.
As chaos spread, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged the state’s 8 million residents to stay home and suspended public transport.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco and Mexico’s second-largest city, was largely shut down as fearful residents stayed indoors. Armed men were seen burning vehicles in the city center, which is set to host matches in the 2026 World Cup.
Other footage showed tourists on beaches as huge plumes of smoke rose over Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort on the Pacific coast. Most flights into the city were suspended, and international airlines canceled dozens of trips.
The UK Foreign Office advised people to stay indoors on Monday, warning that routes to airports might be blocked. The U.S. embassy in Mexico City also issued a security alert, urging citizens in affected areas to shelter in place.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm. Authorities announced late Sunday that they had cleared most of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states.
While less internationally famous than the Sinaloa cartel of imprisoned kingpin Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the Jalisco group is infamous in Mexico for its extreme violence and large arsenal, which it has displayed in military-style parades. Founded about 16 years ago, the cartel has also been accused of attempting to assassinate Mexican officials.
The exact circumstances of El Mencho’s death remain unclear. Mexico’s defense ministry said special forces launched an operation to capture him in Tapalpa, a town about 80 miles southwest of Guadalajara. During the operation, troops came under attack and returned fire. El Mencho was wounded in the shootout and died while being airlifted to Mexico City. Six of his accomplices were killed, and two alleged cartel members were arrested with weapons including rocket launchers.
Washington had offered a $15 million reward for his capture, and the White House confirmed the U.S. provided intelligence support for the operation.Senior U.S. officials celebrated the killing, which comes after months of pressure from Donald Trump over the flow of drugs and migrants across the 1,954-mile border. The Trump administration has labeled the Jalisco cartel a “foreign terrorist organization,” and the president has even threatened direct military action against cartels he claims “are running Mexico.”
On X, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called El Mencho “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.” He wrote: “This is a great development for Mexico, the U.S., Latin America, and the world.”
While the killing may ease pressure on President Sheinbaum from Trump, it also risks creating a power vacuum within the cartel. Sheinbaum has previously criticized the failed “war on drugs” strategy, where military action often sparks major violence only for new cartel leaders to take over.
Chris Dalby, an organized crime expert who has written a book about the Jalisco cartel, said one of the biggest questions now is who—if anyone—will replace the slain kingpin.
“If no one can, if the CJNG finally splinters, you have four or five different lieutenants with the manpower, the weaponry, and the criminal empires to build their own fiefdoms—and that could plunge Mexico into almost record levels of violence,” Dalby said.
Some sources point to El Mencho’s stepson, Juan Carlos, as a possible successor with enough support to hold the cartel together. “If he can unite the CJNG, we may avoid that kind of civil war,” Dalby said, though he added that outcome is far from guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the reported killing of El Mencho and the resulting violence structured from basic to more advanced questions
Basic Information Context
Q1 Who is El Mencho
A El Mencho is the alias of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel one of Mexicos most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations
Q2 Was El Mencho actually killed
A As of my last update there is no official confirmation of his death from Mexican or US authorities Reports of his killing surface periodically but are often unverified rumors or deliberate misinformation The current surge in violence is likely a reaction to one of these rumors or a related event like a highprofile arrest or a territorial challenge
Q3 Why would his death cause more violence
A The death or capture of a cartel leader creates a power vacuum Lieutenants and rival factions within the same cartel fight to take control while rival cartels see an opportunity to invade their territory This internal and external struggle leads to intense violence
Impacts and Consequences
Q4 What areas are most affected by this surge in violence
A Violence typically spikes in the cartels core territories primarily in the state of Jalisco and in strategic trafficking corridors like Michoacán Guanajuato and Colima where they are fighting rival groups
Q5 How does this violence affect everyday people in Mexico
A It leads to increased shootings blockades of roads with burning vehicles targeted assassinations and general insecurity This disrupts daily life businesses and travel and causes civilian casualties
Q6 Does this affect the United States
A Yes indirectly Turmoil in Mexico can disrupt the flow of drugs to the US potentially causing shortages and price fluctuations It can also lead to increased migration from affected areas and poses challenges for crossborder security cooperation
Advanced Strategic Questions
Q7 If he is dead why is it so hard to get confirmation
