Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as "El Mencho," the leader of Mexico's most feared and violent criminal organization , ended his criminal career under the Mexican army's gunfire . The head of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG), considered one of the undisputed Central American "drug barons," had a $15 million bounty on his head from Donald Trump's government and was a major security target for both Claudia Sheinbaum's government and the U.S. administration . The kingpin was eliminated today during a vast military operation in the state of Jalisco, coordinated with Washington, according to the Ministry of Defense. And in southern Jalisco, street violence erupted, with chaos, fires, and roadblocks. During the operation that led to the death of the notorious criminal, "military personnel were attacked," Mexico City said, "and, in self-defense, repelled the attack, resulting in the deaths of four members of the CJNG criminal group on the spot and the serious injuries of three others, who died during the air transport to Mexico City." Among the latter, it is reported, was 'El Mencho.'
In terms of significance and impact, his death can only be compared to the arrests of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada in July 2014 and Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, the two leaders of the now-extinct Sinaloa Cartel. Like them, "El Mencho" had built a reputation as a relentless and untouchable leader, fueled by brutal violence and the overwhelming power he wielded through the CJNG.
The news was greeted enthusiastically in Washington: "The killing of El Mencho, one of the most ruthless and bloodthirsty drug lords, is great news for Mexico, the United States, South America, and the world," said Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, while also expressing his "concern" about the ongoing violence in Mexico . The killing of the drug lord has unleashed a wave of chaos that is still ongoing in several states across the country, so much so that several American airlines, including United and Delta, are canceling flights to Puerto Vallarta airport in Mexico, CBS reports, noting that Air Canada has also canceled flights. Pablo Lemus, governor of Jalisco, reported that a red alert has been activated following the operation, which took place in the municipality of Tapalpa. "Individuals set fires and blocked roads with vehicles to hinder the authorities ," he stated. "I have ordered the immediate convocation of a security task force with officials from all three levels of government and the activation of a red alert to prevent acts against the population." The neighboring state of Michoacan is also on high alert: Governor Alfredo Ramirez Bedolla has launched a nationwide surveillance operation to respond to the unrest that erupted following the kingpin's assassination. At the port of Manzanillo, Mexico's most important, customs operations have been suspended.
The United States government also issued a statement urging its citizens in the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, and Nuevo León to "remain at home due to ongoing security operations, related roadblocks, and criminal activity."
Mexico: Security operations. Clashes and security operations are reported in several states: it is recommended to strictly follow the instructions of local authorities and avoid non-essential travel. The Italian Embassy in Mexico City remains available at 00525554372596 for serious emergencies. This is reported on the Viaggiare Sicuri website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
