The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantesalias “El Mencho“, marked yesterday a turning point in the fight against drug trafficking in Mexico and unleashed a wave of violence in the west of the country. The Mexican Army reported that the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) died after being injured in a confrontation with soldiers in the municipality of Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco.
According to the official statement, Oseguera, 59, died during his air transfer to Mexico City. In the operation, seven alleged members of the criminal group died and three soldiers were injured. Two members of the CJNG were arrested and seized high powered weaponryincluding rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.
The Army indicated that the action was the result of work military intelligence central and complementary information provided by American authoritiesan element that confirms the binational dimension of the operation. Oseguera was one of the most wanted criminals by Mexico and the United Stateswhich offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Blockades and fires
The death of the boss unleashed a wave of violence and road blockades in Mexico, in what authorities consider a reaction by the criminal group, which has caused the suspension of public activities in several states of the country.
The epicenter of the violence took place in Jalisco (western Mexico). Given the escalation of violence, the Government of Jalisco activated the “code red“and reinforced the deployment of the National guard and the Army.
Later, the so-callednarcoblockadesThey spread to neighboring states. In Michoacán and Colima (west) units crossed on federal roads were reported, while in Guanajuato (center) images of businesses burned.
Incidents were also reported in Nayarit (west), Aguascalientes (center), Tamaulipas, Baja California (north), Guerrero, Chiapas and Quintana Roo (south). According to the media La Jornada, there were incidents in 21 states.
Founded in 2009, the CJNG became one of the most violent criminal organizations in Mexico, according to reports from the US Department of Justice. Under Oseguera’s leadership, the group consolidated a presence in multiple states and engaged in clashes with federal forces and rival gangs. The name “El Mencho” was linked to one of the most audacious attacks against Mexican authorities. On June 20, 2020, he ordered an armed attack in the streets of Mexico City against the capital’s then Secretary of Security, Omar García Harfuch. The official was injured and three people died, including two of his bodyguards.
Anger and expectation
The death of the boss has generated mixed reactions in Mexico. While sectors consider the operation as a significant blow against organized crime, in regions under the influence of CJNG tension and uncertainty have been reported possible retaliation.
Analysts warn that the fall of a leader of this magnitude does not necessarily imply the immediate dismantling of the group, which has regional structures consolidated. The challenge for the authorities will be to contain the violence derived from the internal rearrangement and prevent the confrontation from escalating in the coming days.
With the death of “El Mencho“, Mexico adds another chapter in its prolonged war against drug trafficking, in a scenario marked by international pressure, territorial dispute between criminal organizations and the expectation that this coup will have long lasting effects in the structure of CJNG.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, called on the population to remain “calm” after “El Mencho” was killed.
In a message on social networks, the president affirmed that there was “absolute coordination with governments of all states” and assured that, despite the blockades and violent demonstrations, in the “most part of the national territory” activities were taking place with “complete normality.”
“We must stay informed and calm,” Sheinbaum stressed.
The president indicated that the Secretariat of National Defense reported the operation carried out by the Army and the National Guard, which led to various blockades and other reactions, and noted that the official networks of the Security Cabinet would keep the population informed about the situation permanently.
US reaction
The news was received with immediate support from Washington. Christopher LandauUndersecretary of State, stated on the social network death of “El Mencho“represents” a great milestone” for Mexico, the United States and the region. He congratulated the law enforcement Mexicans for the operation.
“This is a breakthrough for Mexico, the United States, Latin America and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys,” Landau said.
The event occurs amid pressure from the American president donald trump for Mexico to stop the drug trafficespecially fentanyl, towards US territory.
The United States has designated CJNG as a terrorist organization and accuses it of trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl, drugs that have fueled the overdose crisis in that country.
Canceled flights
The blockades affected air operations in several states of Mexico. Airlines from the US and Canada reported the suspension of operations with Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, among others.
