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GUADALAJARA, Mexico — School was canceled in several Mexican states, and local and foreign governments alike warned their citizens to stay inside, as widespread violence erupted following the army’s killing of the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) .
🎯 The Target: “El Mencho”
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico . He was notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged him .
The U.S. State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture . He was considered by many to be the world’s most powerful drug trafficker after the fall of Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán .
💥 The Operation and Immediate Aftermath
El Mencho was killed during a shoot-out in his home state of Jalisco on Sunday, Feb. 22, as the Mexican military attempted to capture him . Hours later, cartel members launched coordinated retaliatory attacks across the country, blocking roads and setting fire to vehicles .
- Nationwide Chaos: At least 250 cartel roadblocks were reported across 20 states . Violence was particularly intense in the western states of Jalisco and Guanajuato, CJNG strongholds .
- Travel Disrupted: Flights were canceled in Guadalajara and the tourist resort of Puerto Vallarta .
- Public Warning: The U.S. State Department urgently advised American citizens in parts of Mexico to “seek shelter and remain in residences or hotels” .
🇺🇸 U.S. Role
The White House confirmed that the U.S. provided intelligence support to the operation to capture the cartel leader and applauded Mexico’s army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries .
⚠️ Ongoing Fears
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, and authorities announced late Sunday they had cleared most of the roadblocks . However, many remained hunkered down and on edge as they waited to see the powerful cartel’s full reaction .
Mexico hoped the death of one of the world’s biggest fentanyl traffickers would ease Trump administration pressure to do more against the cartels, but the potential for further violence remains high . The power vacuum could trigger violent internal power struggles within CJNG as factions vie for control, potentially prolonging the violence for years .
