Feb 22 • 19:18 UTC 🇳🇴 Norway VG

One of the World's Most Wanted Drug Barons Killed in Mexico

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', was killed by Mexican security forces, triggering chaos across several states in Mexico.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, infamously known as 'El Mencho', one of the world's most notorious drug lords and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed by Mexican security forces in Jalisco. This cartel has gained notoriety for its violent operations, making it one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations. The U.S. had placed a $15 million bounty on El Mencho, underscoring the significance of his capture or elimination in the context of international drug trafficking operations.

The aftermath of his death has plunged large regions of Mexico into chaos, with reports of burning vehicles and roadblocks in various states including Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas. This violence reflects the instability that can arise from the power vacuums left by the elimination of high-profile cartel leaders, which often leads to infighting among rival factions seeking to assert control over drug trafficking routes and territories.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State has emphasized that El Mencho's death represents a critical turning point not only for Mexico but for the broader region of Latin America and beyond. The governor of Jalisco has urged residents to remain indoors until the situation stabilizes, with public transport suspended and travel discouraged due to escalating violence. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about security and governance in areas affected by organized crime in Mexico, raising questions about the future dynamics of power in the region and the strategies of both Mexican and U.S. authorities in combating drug-related violence.

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