Violence in Mexico: 25 national guards killed after the death of 'El Mencho' in Jalisco
In the wake of criminal leader 'El Mencho's' death, violence surged in Jalisco, resulting in the deaths of 25 National Guard members across multiple attacks.
In a significant escalation of violence following the death of notorious criminal leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', 25 members of Mexico's National Guard were killed in Jalisco within a span of six attacks. The tragic events unfolded after the Mexican Army engaged in a confrontation to capture El Mencho, who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a criminal organization noted for its rapid growth and its role in trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States. The aftermath of his death sparked a violent backlash from cartel members, leading to widespread conflict across the region.
The Mexican Secretary of Security, Omar GarcΓa Harfuch, reported that the violence not only claimed the lives of National Guard members but also resulted in the deaths of a prison guard, a state prosecutor's agent, and a civilian woman. The CJNG's reaction included roadblocks and the burning of vehicles, indicative of their fierce resistance against governmental authority. Reports indicate that around 30 suspected criminals were also killed during the violent incidents in Jalisco, highlighting the toll that cartel-related violence exacts on both law enforcement and the wider community.
This situation underscores the ongoing struggle against organized crime in Mexico, where criminal enterprises have not only increased in power but also in their audacity to challenge law enforcement and the state. The implications of this surge in violence resonate beyond Jalisco, as it reflects the broader challenges faced by the Mexican government in terms of public safety and security, raising questions about effective strategies to combat the pervasive threat posed by cartels like the CJNG.