Mexico erupts in violence after cartel kingpin killed
Photo: unrest in Mexico (social media)
In Mexico, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, one of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers, widely known as "El Mencho," has been reported killed.
The operation targeted the leader of one of the country’s most powerful cartels, according to Reuters.
Read also: Trump warns US may carry out ground attacks on drug cartels worldwide
Former police officer Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes was the shadow leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The military operation against the cartel figure took place amid pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump on the Mexican government to intensify the fight against drug trafficking. A reward of $15 million had been offered for "El Mencho".
A source told Reuters that the operation to detain him was led by the defence ministry and ultimately resulted in his death.
Oseguera had been accused of trafficking large shipments of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine across the southern US border.
Widespread unrest in Mexico
His reported killing triggered unrest in regions under cartel influence. Armed groups blocked roads and set fire to vehicles, petrol stations, pharmacies, and shops across parts of Jalisco state, including Guadalajara and coastal areas toward Puerto Vallarta.
Following the events in Jalisco, violence spread to several neighboring states. In Michoacán, cartel roadblocks were reported in at least 13 municipalities, including Apatzingán, Buenavista, Salvador Escalante, Tangancícuaro, Ixtlán, Ecuandureo, Churintzio, Zamora, Jiquilpan, Uruapan, La Piedad, Yurécuaro, and Jacona.
Michoacán governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla convened an emergency security meeting and ordered reinforced border controls with Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Colima.
The developments come amid a broader anti-cartel strategy promoted by US President Donald Trump, which includes deploying thousands of naval personnel to Latin America and the Caribbean to combat drug trafficking networks.
In September last year, the US government reported a strike on a vessel suspected of transporting narcotics in international waters of the southern Caribbean. According to US authorities, 11 people were killed in that operation.
