The recent death of Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as El Mencho, signifies a major development in the long-standing battle against drug trafficking within Latin America. El Mencho was the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), which has been described as the most powerful criminal organization in America. His death has not only been celebrated by law enforcement agencies but has also raised serious concerns about potential retaliatory violence from rival cartel members and associated criminal networks.

Following the operation that led to El Mencho's demise, Mexico has plunged into chaos, with reports of arson targeting vehicles and businesses as well as widespread road blockages. The immediate aftermath of his death saw confrontations erupting between civilians and police forces across various states, reflecting the unpredictable nature of cartel dynamics in Mexico. Authorities in over a dozen states have already implemented precautionary measures aimed at ensuring public safety amidst fears of heightened cartel violence.

Commentators highlight that while El Mencho's elimination could destabilize the CJNG temporarily, the underlying issues of drug trafficking, violence, and corruption in Mexico remain unresolved. It represents a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict as Mexico must navigate the challenges posed by possible retaliatory attacks from the CJNG and the emergence of new leadership within the cartel. El País reporters Pablo Ferri and Luis Pablo Beauregard shed light on the significance of Mencho's fall and its far-reaching implications for the criminal landscape of the nation.