Influential drug lord El Mencho killed by Mexican army, violence erupts in several states
According to officials, he succumbed to injuries sustained during a military raid in the western state of Jalisco and died while being airlifted to Mexico City.
PTC News Desk: Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho and one of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers, has died after being injured in a military operation in Mexico, the country’s defence ministry announced on Sunday.
According to officials, he succumbed to injuries sustained during a military raid in the western state of Jalisco and died while being airlifted to Mexico City. His death sparked a wave of violence across several parts of the country. Authorities reported torched vehicles and armed men blocking highways in more than half a dozen states, including Jalisco.
El Mencho led the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which over the past decade grew into one of Mexico’s most dominant organised crime syndicates and a major trafficker of illicit drugs to the United States.
Chaos Erupts Across Mexico
The widespread unrest following his death reflected tactics commonly used by Mexican cartels to disrupt security operations, including road blockades and arson attacks.
In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in a post on X that the federal government was maintaining “absolute coordination” with state authorities to restore order.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, while scenes of panic unfolded at the airport in the state capital as people ran for safety.