• Mexican military killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco on Sunday
• Cartel gunmen responded by setting fires, blocking roads with burning vehicles, and attacking infrastructure across multiple states including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara
• U.S. and Canadian officials have ordered citizens to shelter in place as airports suspend flights and cities implement emergency lockdowns

MEXICO CITY (TDR) — The killing of Mexico’s most powerful drug lord has triggered a wave of cartel violence across western Mexico, with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) launching coordinated attacks in retaliation for the military takedown of their leader. Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” died Sunday during a special forces operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, prompting his organization to set up burning roadblocks, attack airports, and sow chaos in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

The violence erupted within hours of El Mencho’s death, as cartel gunmen burned vehicles and blocked highways across at least six states. In Puerto Vallarta, a popular Pacific resort destination, plumes of smoke billowed over the city while authorities issued shelter-in-place orders and suspended all public transportation.

“Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa a few hours ago, which has led to clashes in the area. Also as a result of said operation in various points of that region and in other parts of Jalisco, individuals have burned and blocked vehicles with the aim of hindering the actions of authorities.” — Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro

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The military operation that killed El Mencho began when Mexican army special forces moved to capture him in the mountainous municipality of Tapalpa, approximately two hours southwest of Guadalajara. According to the Defense Department, troops came under fire and killed four cartel members at the scene, while three others including Oseguera Cervantes were wounded and died during airlift to Mexico City. Two additional suspects were arrested, and authorities seized armored vehicles and rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft.

Tourist Hubs Under Siege

The cartel’s retaliation targeted civilian infrastructure and transportation networks. At Guadalajara International Airport, travelers fled in panic as gunfire erupted near the terminal, while similar scenes played out at the airport in Reynosa, Tamaulipas.

Toronto resident Tim Spencer, vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, described the chaos from his hotel rooftop: “Everything’s just covered in smoke here at the moment. Grey and smoggy everywhere and the smell, it’s just like that electrical fuel, gross fire smell.”

Airlines suspended operations amid the security crisis. Air Canada halted flights to Puerto Vallarta “due to an ongoing security situation,” while Southwest and Alaska Airlines canceled services and Delta issued travel waivers. Flights from Vancouver on WestJet and Flair Airlines were also cancelled, with some planes turning back mid-flight.

U.S. Response and Historical Context

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The U.S. State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to El Mencho’s arrest. The cartel leader faced multiple U.S. indictments for drug trafficking and operated what the DEA considers one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, with presence in all 50 American states and major roles in fentanyl and cocaine distribution.

“This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys.” — U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau

The killing represents a significant victory for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has faced intense pressure from the Trump administration to crack down on drug trafficking. In February, the administration designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization, and the two governments have recently cooperated on extraditing cartel members to the U.S.

However, President Sheinbaum has previously criticized the “kingpin strategy” of targeting cartel leaders, noting that such killings often trigger explosive violence as criminal organizations fracture and compete for succession. Sunday’s coordinated attacks across multiple states validated those concerns, as the cartel demonstrated its capacity to disrupt major cities simultaneously.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel has been among Mexico’s most aggressive criminal organizations, pioneering attacks on military helicopters, deploying explosive-laden drones, and installing mines. In 2020, the group launched a grenade and rifle attack in Mexico City against the capital’s police chief.

Security Lockdowns Continue

As of Sunday evening, Governor Lemus had activated a “code red” emergency protocol, suspended schools for Monday, and ordered residents to remain indoors. The U.S. Embassy issued security alerts for citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon states, advising them to avoid areas around law enforcement activity and monitor local media.

Canadian officials reported 4,672 citizens registered in Jalisco state, with Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stating Ottawa was “deeply alarmed” and ready to provide consular assistance.

The violence poses particular concern for Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, which is scheduled to host matches during this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Burnt vehicles lined highways near Estadio Akron, the city’s main stadium, raising questions about security preparations for the international tournament.

Oseguera Cervantes, who was in his 50s, had been involved in drug trafficking since the 1990s, following a heroin conviction and prison term in California. He founded CJNG around 2007 after the death of his mentor, eventually building it into a rival of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The cartel’s immediate and violent response to his death suggests the organization retains significant operational capacity despite losing its founder. With the shelter-in-place orders still active and transportation networks disrupted, Mexican authorities face the challenge of restoring order while preventing further escalation.

As cartel violence surges following El Mencho’s death, will Mexico’s military strategy against drug kingpins bring lasting security or trigger prolonged cycles of retaliation?

Sources

This report was compiled using information from The Washington Post, PBS NewsHour, The New York Times, CBS News, Al Jazeera, NPR, and CBC News

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