Mexican Drug Lord 'El Mencho' Killed; Violence Erupts Across the Country
In a major operation on Sunday, Mexican special forces killed the country's most wanted man, the drug kingpin Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho
. The operation, which resulted in a wave of violence across the country, has raised concerns about further unrest and chaos.
Background
El Mencho was the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico's most violent drug trafficking organizations. The United States had offered a $15 million bounty for his capture. The Mexican forces' operation was supported by U.S intelligence.
The operation was launched following the discovery of El Mencho's location. Mexican Secretary of National Defense revealed that a meeting between El Mencho and a romantic partner gave away his whereabouts. The leader of the cartel was killed in a shootout inside his home in the western state of Jalisco.
Violence in the Aftermath
Following El Mencho's death, violence erupted across several states in Mexico. Schools were closed, flights were suspended, and streets were empty. Looting of businesses was reported in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco. As news of the killing spread, a wave of violence swept across the country, resulting in at least 73 deaths, including 25 National Guards and 30 criminals. Approximately 70 people were arrested in connection with the violence.
The State Department received hundreds of calls from Americans trapped in Mexico, scrambling to find ways home amid escalating chaos. Tourists and residents in Mexico described scenes of panic at airports and on the streets.
Reactions and Implications
The killing of El Mencho has been hailed as a major victory in the fight against drug trafficking. U.S Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau praised Mexico's security forces, calling the operation a major victory for the region and the world.
Nonetheless, there is an overwhelming fear of further violence. Some residents in Guadalajara fear that cartel members may seek to avenge El Mencho's killing. Other criminal groups in Mexico may also try to take advantage of the situation.
Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced a conversation with Donald Trump after the death of El Mencho. President Trump urged Mexico to increase efforts to combat cartels, even after the military operation that resulted in the drug lord's killing.
Current Status
As the situation stands now, Mexico is facing an uphill battle to restore order and peace. The fear of further violence looms as the country grapples with the aftermath of the killing of one of its most powerful drug kingpins. The death of El Mencho marks a significant moment in Mexico's ongoing battle against drug cartels, but the implications for the country's security situation are yet to be fully understood.