(Adnkronos) – At least 26 people, including civilians, criminals, and security personnel, have died in the violence that has shaken Mexico following the killing of the leader of one of the world’s largest drug cartels, Nemesio Oseguera alias ”El Mencho”, in a US-backed military operation. As authorities try to prevent further unrest, at least eight of Mexico’s 32 states have suspended in-person classes today, and the judiciary has authorized judges to keep courts closed when deemed necessary, while President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for calm.
Killed at the age of 59, El Mencho was considered the last of the major drug traffickers after the arrest of the founders of the Sinaloa cartel, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and Ismael “Mayo” Zambada, who are detained in the United States. As the head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), he was one of the most wanted drug traffickers by Mexico and the United States, which had offered up to 15 million dollars for his capture.
“The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government to assist in an operation during which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera was eliminated,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed on ‘X’. US President Donald Trump has made the fight against drug trafficking a priority and has repeatedly urged President Claudia Sheinbaum to allow Washington to send American forces to combat cartels operating in Mexico, a proposal she has so far rejected.
“El Mencho” was wounded during an operation in the city of Tapalpa, in the western state of Jalisco, and died shortly after being transported by plane to Mexico City. In the operation, seven criminals were killed and three soldiers were injured. Two CJNG members were arrested and several weapons were seized, including rocket launchers capable of shooting down planes and destroying armored vehicles.
In response to the military operation, a wave of violence was unleashed in 20 Mexican states. Armed men blocked several roads in the western state of Jalisco with burning cars and trucks. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the population to remain “informed and calm.” The United States has urged citizens in several areas of Mexico, including cities and tourist regions such as Cancún, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca, to “shelter in place until further notice.”
North American airlines have canceled dozens of flights to several Mexican cities. Guatemala has placed its security forces on high alert and reinforced border surveillance with Mexico.
