Mexico on Edge: Kingpin "El Mencho" Killed, Triggering Wave of Cartel Violence and International Alarm

**Mexico City** – A decisive military operation has eliminated the country's most wanted man, but it has also plunged several states into chaos. Mexican authorities confirmed that Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed on February 22nd, sparking immediate and violent reprisals across the nation .

Known by his aliases "El Mencho" or "El Rubio" (The Blonde), Oseguera Cervantes was shot during a confrontation with special forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco. He later died from his wounds while being airlifted to Mexico City . The operation was a coordinated effort involving the Mexican Defense Ministry, the National Intelligence Center, and the Attorney General's Office, with critical intelligence reportedly provided by the United States .

"The operation was carried out by Mexican special forces within a binational cooperation framework," the U.S. Embassy in Mexico stated, acknowledging its role in the mission . The death of the 59-year-old kingpin, for whom the U.S. had offered a $15 million reward, is being hailed as a significant blow to one of Mexico's most powerful and violent criminal organizations .

## Violent Backlash Across Multiple States

However, the victory has come at a short-term cost. Following the confirmation of their leader's death, CJNG members launched a coordinated campaign of violence to avenge "El Mencho." Armed groups have erected roadblocks and set vehicles and businesses on fire across at least eight states, including Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima, and Guanajuato .

In the state capital of Jalisco, Guadalajara, the situation was dire. Images from the city showed buses and cars engulfed in flames on major thoroughfares, with thick plumes of black smoke darkening the sky . Authorities reported that armed commandos opened fire on police stations, and a prison riot in Jalisco left at least one guard dead . The violence has been so widespread that the state's attorney general's office confirmed an employee was killed in the line of duty .

The Pacific coast tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta has been particularly hard-hit. Tourists described the scene as resembling a "war zone," with armed clashes and fires breaking out, leaving thousands of visitors, many of them American and Canadian, sheltering in their resorts .

## Governments Respond: Red Alerts and Flight Cancellations

In response to the escalating violence, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a "red alert" for the entire state, suspending public transportation and urging all residents to stay indoors . Schools in several affected municipalities have also announced closures for Monday .

The instability has triggered swift reactions from the international community. The U.S. State Department has issued an urgent security alert, urging American citizens in the affected states to "shelter in place" . Canada and Russia have issued similar advisories, warning their nationals to avoid non-essential travel to the region .

The fear of violence spreading has led to major disruptions in air travel. Several U.S. carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, along with Canadian airlines Air Canada and WestJet, have temporarily suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo . Some inbound flights were even turned around mid-air .

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has moved to reassure the public, stating that there is "absolute coordination" with state governments and that the "vast majority" of the country is operating normally. She called for calm and confirmed she is in constant communication with her security cabinet .

## A Warning for Citizens

The Chinese Embassy in Mexico also issued a strong warning to Chinese citizens in the country. It highlighted that serious public security incidents had occurred in states like Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato, where local governments have issued red alerts. The embassy advised all Chinese nationals and institutions to remain highly vigilant, follow local government instructions, and avoid all unnecessary travel, especially on federal highways in the affected regions .

As Mexico navigates this dangerous period, the long-term impact of "El Mencho's" death remains uncertain. While his demise is a major achievement for the government, the immediate wave of violence serves as a stark reminder of the power and reach of the cartels he once led.