The violent death of powerful Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, marks a critical blow to organized crime, according to the Mexican government. However, the reality on the ground in many areas of Mexico presents a chilling contrast. Following El Mencho's death during a violent arrest operation in Jalisco state, a significant surge of violence has erupted, as rival factions within the drug cartels vie for dominance, leading to intensified conflicts in cities like Culiacán, Sinaloa.

Quentin Somerville, a BBC correspondent, reports from Culiacán, where the city has transformed into a war zone, revealing scenes of outright brutality and a terrified populace. The Sinaloa Cartel, noted for its ruthlessness and global influence, has been engaged in an internal war for the past year and a half. This conflict escalated after betrayals among key leaders and the ousting of their historic leader, Ismael Zambada, known as El Mayo. The power vacuum created by El Mencho's elimination has only exacerbated tensions as various factions within the cartels scramble to assert their control.

As rival cartels clash, ordinary citizens find themselves caught in the crossfire, leading to a spiraling humanitarian crisis. The government’s portrayal of a decisive victory against organized crime fails to align with the grim realities experienced by the communities in the cartel hot zones. The resurgence of violence following El Mencho’s death raises serious concerns about the future stability of Mexico, as the state struggles to reclaim narco-infested territories while the cartels reinforce their positions amid growing chaos.