Violence after Mexican cartel leader’s death leaves at least 25 soldiers dead

El Mencho killed; cartel reprisals leave at least 26 dead across Mexico as U.S., Canada issue travel warnings

At least 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard and one security guard have been killed in cartel attacks following the capture and death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel boss known as “El Mencho,” Mexico’s security authorities said Monday.

Oseguera, long considered Mexico’s most-wanted cartel leader, died in custody after being wounded during a Mexican special forces operation Sunday in the mountain town of Tapalpa, Jalisco, according to the Defense Ministry. Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla said intelligence that led to the operation stemmed from a romantic partner of the crime boss.

His death ignited a wave of retaliatory violence across multiple states. Omar García Harfuch, a senior security official, said there were 27 “cowardly attacks against authorities in Jalisco,” adding that 30 cartel operatives and one bystander were killed. Authorities reported at least 70 arrests across seven states as roadblocks sprang up and vehicles and businesses were torched.

Images and accounts from Jalisco’s popular resort of Puerto Vallarta showed plumes of dark smoke rising over the bay as frightened residents and tourists described streets choked by burning vehicles and armed operatives. Schools in several states canceled classes as a precaution while federal and state forces deployed to secure highways and airports.

Air travel was severely disrupted. The U.S. State Department warned citizens to shelter in place due to widespread security operations, roadblocks and criminal activity, noting that airline operations in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta were affected with domestic and international flights canceled. Canada issued similar guidance, urging citizens to keep a low profile and shelter in place in parts of Michoacán, Guerrero and Jalisco amid reports of shootouts and explosions.

U.S. carriers United, American, Southwest and Alaska canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo, as did Air Canada and WestJet/Sunwing. Some aircraft turned back mid-flight, including four Southwest jets bound for Puerto Vallarta. Southwest said it would send planes to repatriate stranded passengers and crew once conditions allow.

The White House said the United States provided intelligence support for the operation. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly commended the Mexican military’s cooperation and execution. President Donald Trump urged Mexico to intensify pressure on cartels, posting, “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!” on social media.

President Claudia Sheinbaum, under sustained pressure from Washington over fentanyl smuggling, pledged deeper security cooperation with the U.S. while emphasizing Mexico’s sovereignty. She said most areas of the country were operating normally and promised additional details on the operation.

Oseguera’s body arrived in Mexico City under heavy National Guard escort Monday afternoon. His reported death marks one of the most consequential blows against a criminal organization in recent years. Under his leadership, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel — or CJNG — evolved into one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent groups, expanding from narcotics into fuel theft, extortion, human smuggling and financial fraud. The cartel also pioneered weaponized drones in conflicts across western Mexico.

Security analysts warned the killing could fracture CJNG and unleash new power struggles. “There will definitely be skirmishes between the various factions, and these spasms of violence could last for years,” said Carlos Olivo, a former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assistant special agent in charge who specializes in CJNG.

The United States had offered a $15 million bounty for Oseguera’s capture. Mexican officials said they were closely monitoring potential cartel restructuring and further retaliation. “We are closely monitoring for any kind of reaction or restructuring within the cartel that could lead to violence,” García Harfuch said.

As authorities raced to clear highways and stabilize cities, residents across Jalisco and neighboring states faced an uneasy calm. By nightfall Monday, some roadblocks had been lifted, but the government cautioned that additional operations — and further disruptions — were likely in the days ahead.

By Abdiwahab Ahmed
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.