MEXICO CITY- Mexico has deployed thousands of additional soldiers after the death of one of the country’s most powerful drug lords triggered widespread cartel violence.
SUMMARY
- Mexico has deployed about 9,500 troops following unrest linked to El Mencho’s death.
- Violence has spread to at least 20 states, with roadblocks, fires and armed clashes reported.
- Authorities say US intelligence supported the operation, but no US forces were involved.
Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said 2,500 extra soldiers were sent to western Mexico on Monday, bringing total deployments to approximately 9,500 since Sunday.
The unrest followed the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes — widely known as El Mencho — leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most feared criminal organisations.
How the Operation Unfolded
According to authorities, El Mencho was captured by Mexican special forces in Jalisco state after troops tracked a romantic partner he was meeting.
He was seriously injured during a firefight between his bodyguards and military commandos in the town of Tapalpa and later died while being transported to Mexico City.
At least six of his security guards were killed during the raid, while three members of the military were injured.
The Mexican Ministry of Defence said the operation was carried out by the army with support from the National Guard and Air Force. While US intelligence provided “complementary information,” Mexico confirmed that no US forces were involved.
The US State Department had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Mexico Violence Spreads Across 20 States
Following news of El Mencho’s death, cartel members launched coordinated retaliation across areas where the CJNG is active.
Roads were blocked using spikes and burning vehicles. In several towns, buses were commandeered and torched in the middle of highways. Banks and local businesses were set alight.
Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said at least 25 National Guard members had died in Jalisco since the violence erupted. He added that a prison guard, a state prosecutor’s office official, and about 30 alleged cartel members were also killed.
Videos authenticated by BBC Verify show clashes between cartel members and Mexico’s National Guard in San Isidro, near Guadalajara. Footage shows armed individuals firing at vehicles and ramming security trucks.
President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the army’s operation and sought to reassure the public.
“There is calm, there is government, there are armed forces, and there is a lot of co-ordination,” she said, adding that roadblocks had largely been cleared by Monday morning.
Mexico’s Security Strategy Tested
The killing of El Mencho marks one of the most significant blows to organised crime in recent Mexican history.
But analysts warn that such high-profile operations often trigger temporary surges in violence as cartels attempt to demonstrate strength — or internal factions compete for control.
The CJNG built its power through aggressive territorial expansion and large-scale trafficking of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Now, the question facing Mexico’s security forces is whether the removal of its leader will weaken the organisation — or ignite a prolonged and more fragmented conflict.
For now, Mexico deploys troops after El Mencho’s death in an effort to contain the immediate fallout.
Whether that surge restores long-term stability remains uncertain.
