The death of notorious Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', has led to a surge of violence in Mexico, with loyalists retaliating by blocking roads and setting vehicles on fire.
The Mexican military has killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, one of the country's most powerful drug lords, also known by his nickname 'El Mencho'. His death has incited a wave of violence across Mexico, as loyalists to the drug lord engaged in violent protests by setting vehicles ablaze and blocking major roads. This reflects a significant security crisis in the country as criminal gangs respond violently to attempts at law enforcement against their leaders.
Cervantes was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which emerged as a leading criminal organization following the capture of infamous drug kingpin Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán. The CJNG maintains vast smuggling networks and has a notorious presence in the United States as well. Following Cervantes' death, Mexican authorities have stated that special forces conducted the operation in the Tapalpa area of Jalisco, supported by the Mexican armed forces, while U.S. authorities provided additional intelligence regarding the drug lord.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, noted that Oseguera was a high-priority target for both Mexico and the United States in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking. This development not only highlights the ongoing struggle between law enforcement and drug cartels in Mexico but also poses questions about the future of cartel violence and security responses in the region, as the CJNG and its allies may retaliate further in the wake of their leader’s death.
