Mexico Descends Into Violence As Army Kills Drug Lord ‘El Mencho’

Violence broke out across Mexico after the military killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel.

El Mencho was the country’s most-wanted drug lord and head of one of Mexico’s fastest-growing criminal organizations.

He was known for smuggling fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States and for carrying out bold attacks on officials who opposed him.

The 59-year-old, a former police officer, died Sunday during a military operation in his home state of Jalisco.

Four cartel members were killed at the scene, while El Mencho and three others died while being transported to Mexico City.

The United States assisted with intelligence for the raid, and the State Department had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.

Following his death, chaos erupted in several states as cartel members blocked roads, set vehicles on fire, and clashed with authorities.

Videos circulating on social media showed large fires and thick smoke across Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist city on the west coast.

Local news outlet El Occidental posted footage of heavy fighting in Tapalpa, a town in the Sierra Madre mountains.

The unrest caused airlines to cancel dozens of flights.

In Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital and a host city for the 2026 World Cup, airport passengers ran for cover, fearing attacks by cartel fighters.

Armed men were also seen setting vehicles on fire in the city center, and a separate video showed a group torching a gas station.

Schools have been closed in multiple states, and authorities advised residents to stay indoors.

President Claudia Sheinbaum urged people to remain “calm”, saying that in most areas of the country, daily activities are continuing as usual.

KanyiDaily had also reported how a 23-year-old social media influencer from Mexico, Valeria Marquez, was shot and killed while live streaming on TikTok.