Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho', leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in a clash with military forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco, this Sunday. His death triggered a wave of attacks in at least 13 states, including blockades, arson, and confrontations that resulted in at least 14 deaths, including seven from the National Guard. Mexican authorities and the Argentine Foreign Ministry issued alerts and safety recommendations.
On Sunday, special forces from the Mexican Army and National Guard conducted an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, resulting in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', 59 years old and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). According to the Secretariat of National Defense, the capo was seriously wounded in the clash and died during his transfer to Mexico City. In the operation, six other CJNG members were killed, two were detained, and three soldiers were injured. Armament, including rocket launchers, and armored vehicles were seized.
Immediately afterward, the CJNG responded with coordinated actions: road blockades, vehicle burnings, and attacks on security forces in at least 13 of Mexico's 32 states, focused on the Guadalajara metropolitan area and municipalities like Mazamitla, Chapala, and Puerto Vallarta. Incidents included shootings against the National Guard and police, arson of businesses, and looting. The preliminary toll reports 14 deaths, including seven National Guard agents, and 45 detained.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus stated: 'We are living critical hours in which incidents were addressed in various places in the State and metropolitan area.' He recommended the population not leave home, suspended public transport, in-person classes for Monday, and mass events, and closed Puerto Vallarta airport. Jalisco is under red code, with ongoing operations to clear roads.
President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized: 'There is absolute coordination with governments of all states; we must stay informed and calm.' Several embassies, including those of the United States and Canada, alerted their citizens to avoid outings in affected areas and flight suspensions.
The Argentine Foreign Ministry recommended not traveling to Jalisco: 'Carefully evaluate the need to travel to that jurisdiction and, if not essential, postpone trips until the situation stabilizes.' For those already there, it suggested extreme precautions and contacting the consulate in emergencies.
The body of 'El Mencho' and two other CJNG members was transferred to Mexico City under National Guard custody. Oseguera had arrest warrants from Mexico and the U.S., with a $15 million reward.
