Violence has erupted across parts of Mexico following a major military operation that resulted in the death of notorious drug lord Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as "El Mencho". The incident has triggered widespread clashes, disrupted flights and prompted international travel advisories, reported Hindustan Times.
Drug lord El Mencho killed in military operation
Mexico's Defence Ministry confirmed that the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was seriously injured during a shootout with the Army and special forces in Jalisco on Sunday. Authorities said he later died while being airlifted to Mexico City for treatment.
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El Mencho headed one of the most powerful criminal organisations in Latin America, and his death quickly led to unrest in several regions.
Violence spreads across Jalisco
Following the operation, clashes broke out in multiple locations across Jalisco state, including Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Tapalpa. Reports indicated that roadblocks were set up using burnt vehicles, while security forces were deployed to contain the situation, stated Hindustan Times.
Flight operations at Guadalajara Airport and Puerto Vallarta Airport were affected as violence escalated in surrounding areas, causing travel disruptions across the country.
Fake videos circulate online
Amid the unrest, videos claiming to show a plane on fire at Guadalajara Airport began circulating on social media. The Mexican Embassy in the United States dismissed the footage as fabricated and was quoted as saying by HT, "It Is FALSE that a plane caught fire at Guadalajara Airport. The image circulating on social media showing a plane allegedly belonging to Volaris on fire in Guadalajara, Jalisco, is false and was generated using Artificial Intelligence."
Casualties reported during and after raid
Authorities confirmed that several people were killed during the operation and subsequent violence. Along with El Mencho, four others died during the initial raid, while the death toll later rose to seven after critically injured individuals succumbed to their wounds.
According to an AP report citing state officials, at least seven National Guard members were killed in Tapalpa and Zapopan. Additional fatalities included a jail guard killed during a prison riot in Puerto Vallarta and an agent from the Jalisco state prosecutor's office in Guadalajara.
International response and US involvement
The United States issued a "shelter in place" alert for its citizens in Mexico, while Canada advised travellers to "keep a low profile". Several airlines from both countries cancelled flights amid security concerns.
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US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the operation as a "great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world", adding, "I'm watching the scenes of violence from Mexico with great sadness and concern."
Reuters also reported that a US military-led intelligence task force assisted Mexican authorities during the operation targeting the cartel leader.
