The Mexican government revealed that the location of drug lord El Mencho was found out following a visit by his girlfriend, leading to a violent operation that resulted in his death and significant unrest across the country.
The Mexican government announced that the location of El Mencho, a notorious drug trafficker, was uncovered after a visit from his girlfriend, according to Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo. During a press conference alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trevill Trejo detailed the military operation that led to El Mencho's demise, explaining that his security team engaged in a shootout with military personnel. This encounter resulted in the deaths of El Mencho and eight other criminals, turning a routine operation into a significant conflict.
Following El Mencho's death, violence erupted throughout the country, leading to widespread chaos. Omar García Harfuch, the country’s Security Secretary, reported that about 70 individuals were arrested across seven states as instability surged in the wake of the event. The violence included road blockades, vehicle fires, and the shutdown of numerous commercial establishments, indicating the far-reaching effects of cartel conflicts on civilian life.
In an appeal for calm, President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the Mexican population to remain composed amidst what was described as an explosion of violence affecting multiple regions. The unrest came on the heels of a critical operation against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), where authorities are grappling with the implications of cartel power in the country. The operation and the subsequent unrest signal a pivotal moment in the government's battle against organized crime, reflecting both progress and the challenges that remain in restoring order.
