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Mexico has deployed 10,000 troops to control widespread violence following the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), officials said Monday.
Oseguera, who had a $15 million U.S. bounty on his head, was wounded in a shootout with soldiers in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Sunday and died while being flown to Mexico City.
His death caused violence across 20 states, including road blockades, vehicle and business burnings, and attacks on security forces.
Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said at least 25 National Guard members, a prison guard, a state prosecutor, and 30 suspected cartel members were killed.
Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said eight suspected cartel gunmen were killed and three soldiers wounded during the operation to capture Oseguera.
Authorities sent an additional 2,500 troops to Jalisco, one of the host cities for this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Schools were closed and public transport largely suspended in Guadalajara, while residents stocked up on food and supplies.
Gunmen arrived and ordered everyone to evacuate, according to Maria Medina, who works at a petrol station that was set on fire on Sunday.
“I thought they were going to kidnap us. I ran to a taco stand to take cover with the people there,” Medina told AFP.
Travel warnings were issued by the U.S., Canada, Britain, and Australia.
Oseguera, 59, was a founding member of CJNG, one of Mexico’s most violent cartels. Experts warned that his death could create a power vacuum and set off internal violence within the organisation.
“That opens the door to violent realignments within the organisation,” David Mora, an expert at the Crisis Group analysis centre, told AFP.
Mexico said U.S. authorities provided intelligence support for the operation, though President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed no U.S. forces participated.
Weapons seized during the raid included rocket launchers capable of downing aeroplanes and destroying armoured vehicles.
CJNG has been classified as a terrorist organisation by the U.S. and is accused of trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States.
