Violence in Mexico after Cartel Kingpin ‘El Mencho’ Killed in US-Backed Raid
A wave of retaliatory violence erupted in Mexico following the death of “El Mencho” – one of the most notorious drug lords – in a Mexican military operation backed by the US.
Mexico has been under intensifying pressure from US President Donald Trump to crack down on drug cartels responsible for trafficking fentanyl across the borders.
The Fall of El Mencho
Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and one of the world’s most-wanted drug traffickers, was killed following a Mexican military operation in Tapalpa on Sunday.
“Through central military intelligence efforts alongside the Mexican National Intelligence Center and the Attorney General’s Office (FEMDO), Special Forces of the Mexican Army planned and executed an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco.
“Various aircraft from the Mexican Air Force and the Special Immediate Reaction Force of the Mexican National Guard participated in this operation to achieve the arrest of Ruben “N” (alias Mencho),” the Mexican Defense Ministry announced in a statement.
El Mencho was wounded in the operation and died in custody while being airlifted to Mexico City, the statement clarified.
“At this time, elements of the Mexican National Guard and Mexican Army troops from the center of the country and states neighboring Jalisco are mobilizing to reinforce the security of this state,” the statement added.
El Mencho: Cop Turned Kingpin
Oseguera, a former police officer, engineered the rise of the CJNG in Guadalajara, the capital city of the western state of Jalisco. Under his leadership, the cartel expanded through extreme violence, gaining infamy for its reliance on forced recruitment and slave labor.
El Mencho transformed the CJNG from a traditional drug cartel into a sophisticated, diversified criminal empire. Beyond drug trafficking, the group expanded into fuel theft, extortion, and human smuggling, while pioneering the use of weaponized drones to terrorize civilians during its aggressive territorial expansion across western Mexico.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration has labeled the CJNG as one of the “most powerful and ruthless criminal organizations” inside Mexico.
US Backing
The US backed the raid that eliminated El Mencho by providing intelligence support. “In addition to central military intelligence efforts, complementary information was provided by US authorities within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the United States,” the Mexican Defense Ministry said.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed cooperation, praising the Mexican military successful execution of the operation. “President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved,” Leavitt posted on X.
Over the past year, Trump has threatened military intervention and higher tariffs if Mexico fails to demonstrate concrete gains in curbing drug trafficking.
Following the operation, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum hailed the effort, saying that all state governments are working in tandem to address the situation. “We work every day for the peace, security, justice, and well-being of Mexico,” she said.
Widespread Violence
The death of El Mencho sparked a wave of nationwide unrest, starting in Jalisco and spreading to 20 other states such as Michoacán and Guanajuato, reported CNN.
Gunmen suspected to be his supporters blocked highways, set vehicles and businesses ablaze, and clashed with security forces, according to Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro. More than 250 blockades were reported across 20 Mexican states, Mexico’s Security Cabinet said. Later on Sunday, most roadblocks were cleared and main roads reopened.
A CJNG member confirmed to Reuters that the violence was an act of revenge for El Mencho’s killing. He also warned that this is only the beginning, predicting a wave of bloodshed as rival factions scramble to seize control of the power vacuum.
The erupting violence has cast a shadow over Mexico’s readiness for the World Cup 2026, with Guadalajara slated to host four high-profile World Cup matches this June.
Global Alerts & Flight Disruptions
The widespread violence in Mexico prompted several countries to issue warnings to their citizens there, urging them to exercise extreme caution and follow the advice of local authorities. These include the UK, Canada, Australia, China, India, and New Zealand.
Furthermore, the US State Department urged American nationals in Jalisco state and other areas to “seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements” until further notice.
The chaos also caused flights disruption as many airlines cancelled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. These include Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada.
