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Chaos and fear in tourist cities/ Mexico sends 10,000 troops to curb violence after El Mencho's death

2026-02-23 23:17:28Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Chaos and fear in tourist cities/ Mexico sends 10,000 troops to curb violence
Mexican Army

Mexico has deployed about 10,000 troops to control violent clashes that erupted after the killing of one of the country's most wanted drug lords, authorities announced on Monday.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was wounded on Sunday during a shootout with the army in the city of Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco, and died while being airlifted to Mexico City, according to the military.

News of his death sparked a wave of violence across the country. Cartel members blocked roads in 20 states, burning vehicles, businesses and public institutions. According to the Secretary of Security, Omar Garcia Harfuch, at least 25 members of the National Guard were killed in the ensuing clashes.

Harfuch said the victims included a prison guard, a state prosecutor and about 30 people suspected of being part of Oseguera's criminal organization. There was a $15 million reward for "El Mencho" for his capture.

Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said eight suspected cartel members were killed during the special forces operation, while three soldiers were wounded.

Chaos and fear in tourist cities

Terrified residents hunkered down in their homes, while tourists sought shelter in hotels and resorts. On Monday, the government sent an additional 2,500 troops to Jalisco, one of the host cities for this year's FIFA World Cup, bringing the total number of forces deployed to 10,000.

In Aguililla, the birthplace of “El Mencho” in Michoacán state, residents reported blockades in the early hours of Monday. Photos shared on social media showed huge clouds of smoke billowing over the mountain village. Also in the Jalisco capital, Guadalajara, schools remained closed and most public transportation was suspended.

In the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, the violence caused alarm among visitors, mostly Americans. Britain, Canada and the United States issued travel warnings, while Australia urged citizens to exercise “increased caution.” Dozens of flights from the United States and Canada were canceled.

International reactions and the American role

US President Donald Trump did not react directly to Oseguera's death, but wrote briefly on the Truth Social platform: "Mexico must intensify efforts against cartels and drugs!"

Mexican authorities confirmed that the operation was aided by intelligence provided by the U.S. The White House acknowledged that Washington provided “informational support,” but President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed that no American forces directly participated in the operation.

During the raid, two suspects were arrested and an arsenal of weapons was seized, including rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.

The CJNG is classified by Washington as a terrorist organization and is accused of trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the U.S. Analysts warn that the lack of a clear successor to “El Mencho” could create a power vacuum and spark even more violent reorganizations within the cartel.


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