A shadow of fear descended over Mexico this week, triggered by the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel – known as “El Mencho.” The operation to capture him unleashed a terrifying wave of violence, plunging multiple regions into chaos and forcing both tourists and residents to seek shelter.
The cartel, one of the most ruthless and powerful criminal organizations in the country, responded with brutal force. Reports flooded in of blocked roads, businesses deliberately set ablaze, and vehicles engulfed in flames across twenty states. The scale of the disruption was immense, paralyzing daily life and raising serious concerns for safety.
The human cost quickly became devastating. Twenty-five members of Mexico’s National Guard were killed in Jalisco alone, ambushed in six separate attacks following El Mencho’s death. A prison guard, a state prosecutor’s agent, and an unidentified woman also lost their lives in the escalating violence.
The fallout extended to everyday citizens. Schools were shuttered across several states, and governments issued urgent warnings for people to remain indoors. In the popular resort city of Puerto Vallarta, Canadians were specifically advised to shelter in place as the situation rapidly deteriorated.
El Mencho’s reign of terror had long been marked by the trafficking of deadly drugs – fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine – into the United States. He was a prime target for both Mexican and U.S. authorities, with a $15 million reward offered for information leading to his capture. His death, while a victory for law enforcement, has ignited a dangerous power struggle.
The operation that ended El Mencho’s life was a fierce firefight. Troops came under heavy fire, resulting in the deaths of four individuals at the scene. Three more, including El Mencho himself, were wounded and succumbed to their injuries while being transported to Mexico City.
While authorities have now cleared over 250 roadblocks erected by cartel members, experts warn that this may not signal an end to the unrest. Some analysts believe rival criminal groups may seize the opportunity to exploit the CJNG’s weakened state, leading to further conflict and instability.
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has been actively pursuing a more aggressive crackdown on cartels, aiming to alleviate pressure from the United States, which has demanded greater action against fentanyl smuggling. This latest confrontation demonstrates Mexico’s willingness to take a hard line, but also carries the risk of escalating violence.
As of Monday, a semblance of normalcy began to return to some areas, with Guadalajara showing signs of life before sunrise. However, the underlying tension remains palpable, and the future remains uncertain as Mexico navigates the aftermath of El Mencho’s demise and the power vacuum it has created.
Two Canadian airlines, WestJet and Air Transat, are cautiously resuming flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo after temporarily suspending service due to the violence. Both airlines emphasized their commitment to closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing passenger safety.
