Mexico is on high alert after cartel gunmen launched a wave of retaliatory attacks following the death of notorious drug lord Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', in a federal raid. The operation in Jalisco state on Sunday resulted in a firefight that killed El Mencho and six of his accomplices, according to officials.
Since the raid, retaliatory violence has claimed the lives of 25 National Guard members and one security guard, Mexico's security minister Omar García Harfuch reported. He added that 30 cartel operatives and one bystander were also killed. The 59-year-old El Mencho led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), considered the country's most powerful criminal organisation.
In western Mexico, schools closed and travellers were stranded as cartel members blocked roads by torching cars and buses. Over 250 roadblocks were set up across 20 states, though authorities said all had been cleared. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, and several foreign governments issued travel warnings.
The violence prompted Puerto Vallarta authorities to advise residents to stay indoors. Videos showed cars and buildings ablaze, with tourists on the beach as smoke rose in the distance. In Guadalajara, streets were empty, and more than 1,000 people spent the night at the zoo for safety. Rumours of airport closures were denied by the government, which said airports were operating normally despite some flight diversions.
Analysts warn of further bloodshed. David Mora of the International Crisis Group noted that El Mencho's centralised leadership leaves no clear successor, potentially sparking internal power struggles and turf wars with rival cartels. The US provided intelligence support for the raid, and the operation is seen as a message to the Trump administration that Mexico can handle cartels independently.
