Following the death of drug lord El Mencho in Mexico, violent unrest has erupted across at least 20 states, with major disruptions including vehicle fires and street blockades.
The recent death of Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho, has plunged Mexico into a new wave of violence, marked by the burning of buses and cars, street blockades, and armed groups taking to the central streets of cities. Chaos unfolded particularly in Jalisco, where 65 roadblocks were reported, while thick smoke billowed over major cities like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. In the wake of these events, the scale of the violence seems to be escalating, causing concern for both local and international authorities.
Moreover, the role of the United States has come to light, with revelations from an anonymous American military official who spoke to Reuters, indicating that the newly formed Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel (JIATF-CC) played a crucial role in mapping cartel networks across the U.S.-Mexico border. This interagency unit, established by the Pentagon, has been working to disrupt the operations of powerful drug cartels, and its involvement signals a more prominent U.S. strategy in combating drug trafficking and the violence that accompanies it.
As the CJNG led by El Mencho mourns the loss of its leader, there are fears that retaliatory violence will continue to escalate in the region. This situation represents a critical point in Mexico’s ongoing battle with drug cartels, highlighting not only the immediate repercussions domestically but also raising questions about U.S. involvement in foreign narcotics operations. With the potential for a power vacuum and further bloodshed, the consequences of this violence may resonate far beyond the borders of Mexico, affecting U.S. security policies and regional stability.
