Jalisco: jalisco operation kills 'El Mencho' and sparks nationwide attacks
The Mexican Army killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho", in an operation at dawn in Tapalpa, in the state of jalisco. The 59-year-old leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación was gravely injured in the raid and died while being transported to Ciudad de México,.
Military operation and seizures
The Secretariat of National Defense of Mexico said the operation took place at dawn on Sunday in the municipality of Tapalpa, in the west of the country. During the operation the armed forces seized several armored vehicles and weapons, including rocket launchers described as having the capacity to down aircraft.
Casualties and medical transfers
The announcement noted that several members of the cartel died during the operation and added that another six cartel members died. The Secretariat also said that three military personnel were wounded and were transported to a hospital in Ciudad de México for emergency care.
Jalisco clashes and reactions
The death of the CJNG leader unleashed a wave of blockades and attacks on businesses in jalisco and in several other states where the cartel is present. The governor of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus, confirmed there were "enfrentamientos en la zona" and said that, as a reaction, "en distintos puntos de Jalisco individuos han quemado y atravesado vehículos para inhibir la acción de las autoridades". Lemus recommended avoiding going out into the streets unless necessary.
Roadblocks and targeted attacks
Authorities recorded 252 blockades of roads and streets across 20 states; 90% of those blockades had been cleared by 20: 00 local time (02: 00 GMT Monday). The response included burning and blocking routes in Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Guerrero and Puebla in the center of the country, as well as in Baja California and Tamaulipas in the north. In several cities there were attacks on businesses such as pharmacies and stores, actions described as a known tactic of criminal groups against local and federal authorities.
Public fear and official statements
The violence generated fear and uncertainty among the local population and foreign tourists in cities such as Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Social media posts from people in several parts of the country showed burning vehicles and damaged shops; images showed columns of smoke in Guadalajara, which is one of the venues of the upcoming World Cup that will start in less than four months. Some witnesses also reported seeing armed men in the streets of Jalisco and other locations.
Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, wrote that "existe absoluta coordinación con gobiernos de todos los estados" and urged: "Debemos mantenernos informados y en calma". She added: "En la mayor parte del territorio nacional se desarrollan actividades con plena normalidad. "
Image credited in the original material to the Department of State of the U. S.
All details above reflect the sequence of events and official statements released after the operation that led to the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho". The Secretariat of National Defense identified the target, described the seizures and casualties, and authorities across affected states responded to widespread blockades and attacks.
