(Image source from: Msn.com)
A surge of violence erupted in Mexico following the death of the nation’s most sought-after drug lord during an arrest operation that involved U. S. intelligence. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, referred to as "El Mencho," led the notorious Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel and succumbed to severe injuries sustained during confrontations with his supporters and the military on Sunday. According to the Mexican defense ministry, four CJNG members lost their lives in the operation that took place in Tapalpa, located in the central-western state of Jalisco, while three army personnel suffered injuries. In response to the drug lord's death, violence has surged across at least twelve states, with CJNG setting up roadblocks using burning vehicles. Throughout Sunday, there were multiple reports of armed individuals roaming the streets in Jalisco and other areas. Witnesses captured video of smoke billowing in several cities, including Guadalajara, which is one of the host cities for the upcoming Fifa World Cup.
In response to the situation, Jalisco's Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro announced a code red for the state, halting all public transportation, and canceling large gatherings and in-person classes. Tourists who spoke with Reuters described the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, as resembling a "war zone. " Reports indicated that about 250 roadblocks were established nationwide during the turmoil, with 65 of them in Jalisco, as reported by CBS, the BBC's U. S. news partner. The Mexican Security Cabinet later reported that four blockades were still operational in Jalisco. They indicated that 25 individuals were detained, with 11 arrested for their alleged involvement in violent activities and 14 for supposed looting. It was also noted that shops were set ablaze, and around 20 bank branches were targeted during the unrest. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated there was "absolute coordination" between state and federal authorities in dealing with the violence, urging citizens to remain “calm and informed”.
Sheinbaum mentioned that "most regions of the country are functioning normally. " Several airlines, such as Air Canada, United Airlines, and American Airlines, have canceled their flights to Jalisco. The United States has advised its citizens to stay in their homes in five states: Jalisco, Tamaulipas, certain areas of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon. The UK government announced that "serious security issues" have occurred in Jalisco and recommended "taking extreme caution" while adhering to local authorities' guidance. Late Sunday night, US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that El Mencho is a "major target for both the Mexican and United States governments since he is one of the leading traffickers of fentanyl into our country. " She reported that three cartel members were killed, another three sustained injuries, and two were apprehended during the operation, which received intelligence support from the US.
El Mencho, aged 59, who was once a police officer, led a large criminal group that trafficked significant amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States. The US State Department had placed a $15 million (£11.1 million) bounty for information that would lead to El Mencho's arrest. In a public statement, the Mexican defense ministry said that the operation was "carefully planned and carried out" by the nation's special forces. Mike Vigil, who was the Chief of International Operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, called the operation "one of the most important actions ever taken in the history of drug trafficking. " He made these remarks during an interview with CBS, which is the BBC's news partner in the US.
