Reports of the destruction of Nemesio Osegera Cervantes - "El Mencho," one of the most terrible and most wanted criminal figures in Mexico, shook the entire country. The special military operation was reportedly conducted in the state of Jalisco, and the "El Mencho" was killed during the shooting.
According to reports, the operation was carried out in the Tapalpa region - south of Guadalajara. The government and major publications have long been writing that this area has been one of the points where cartel influence has been strong.
One of the most frequently mentioned facts is the US promise of a $15 million reward for "El Mencho." Therefore, this operation is assessed not only as an internal security event, but also as a major international event.
But the second, even more alarming part of the story is that the Jalisco new-generation cartel, having lost its leader, immediately switched to a "response" mood. It is reported that actions such as blocking roads, burning cars and trucks, and armed clashes have intensified in various regions.
The situation around the cities is particularly dire: several sources report that security measures have been drastically strengthened in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, traffic has been restricted on certain routes, and there have been disruptions in flights. Against this backdrop, it was also reported that a "red code" regime was introduced in Jalisco.
There are also reports that state governor Pablo Lemus Navarro confirmed that clashes had occurred, and that individuals connected to the cartel tried to obstruct the movement of security forces by blocking roads and burning cars.
For now, the most important point is that after such a blow, a struggle for leadership within the cartel may begin. Some analysts are worried that this very factor will further prolong the wave of violence.
Against the backdrop of this incident, The New York Times also described "El Mencho" as one of the most brutal and dangerous criminals in the country, recalling CJNG's role in the drug trafficking (cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl).
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