Chaos Erupts in Mexico Following Death of Notorious Cartel Leader 'El Mencho'
The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as 'El Mencho', has triggered a wave of violence and chaos across Mexico, leaving the nation in a state of paralysis. The violent aftermath of his death has resulted in dozens of deaths, disrupted travel plans, and sparked global concern about safety in the region.
Background and Context
El Mencho, one of the world's most wanted drug traffickers, was killed on Sunday, February 22, during a military raid in the western state of Jalisco. According to the Mexican Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla, the operation was carried out with the support of U.S. intelligence and began when a trusted courier connected to one of El Mencho's romantic partners was identified and tracked to a secret rendezvous location.
The death of El Mencho, while a significant blow to organized crime, has sparked a violent retaliation from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, leading to a surge in violence and unrest across Mexico.
Key Developments and Details
In the wake of El Mencho's death, violence erupted across the country, resulting in at least 73 deaths, including 25 Mexican National Guard troops and more than two dozen criminal suspects, according to Mexico Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch. The Jalisco state capital, Guadalajara, saw empty streets, service suspensions, and business lootings, as the state was put under red code by the local government.
The escalated violence has severely impacted travel and tourism in the region. Cruise passengers with stops in Puerto Vallarta saw their voyages scrapped due to safety concerns, and flights were disrupted, stranding American tourists in Mexico. The U.S. government issued Mexico security warnings, putting the country at a level 2 travel advisory, urging Americans to use increased caution.
Reactions and Implications
The violent aftermath of El Mencho's death has sparked international concern. The U.S. State Department received hundreds of calls from Americans trapped in Mexico, primarily concerning flight cancellations and safe return to the U.S. The situation has also prompted travellers to reconsider their vacation destinations, with many debating the safety of Mexico for spring break.
In a shocking turn of events, a Chicago couple had to abruptly cancel their destination wedding in Guadalajara due to safety concerns and government warnings, highlighting the personal impact of the cartel violence.
Meanwhile, Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, had a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, discussing the situation in the country after the death of the drug trafficker.
Current Status
As the country grapples with the impact of the cartel violence, efforts are underway to restore peace and security. According to the Mexican Navy, the resort city of Puerto Vallarta is now secure, with reinforcements staying until further notice. However, with other criminal groups potentially trying to take advantage of the situation, the future remains uncertain.