What Is Happening In Mexico Right Now: waves of violence after federal raid kills El Mencho
what is happening in mexico right now is a series of retaliatory attacks by cartel gunmen after federal forces fatally wounded their leader in a raid, leaving security forces and civilians dead and prompting closures, travel warnings and reassurances from government officials. The development matters because it has emptied streets in major Jalisco destinations and produced dozens of casualties across multiple responses.
Fatal raid in Jalisco left Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes and six accomplices dead
Federal authorities attempted to capture Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday; the operation led to a firefight that fatally wounded the notorious leader and killed six of his accomplices. El Mencho, 59, was described as one of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers and the leader of the heavily armed Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which had become the country’s most powerful criminal organisation. Defence minister Ricardo Trevilla said information that led to the capture and death stemmed from a romantic partner.
What Is Happening In Mexico Right Now: casualties, including National Guard and cartel losses
Mexico’s security minister, Omar García Harfuch, said retaliatory cartel attacks since the raid have killed 25 members of the National Guard and one security guard. He said 30 cartel operatives were killed as well as one bystander. The wave of violence has produced a heavy human toll among security forces and combatants.
Daily life disrupted in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara as residents shelter
In the country’s west, schools were closed and international travellers were left stranded after cartel foot soldiers blocked roads by torching cars and buses. Authorities in Puerto Vallarta, a popular seaside tourist destination in Jalisco state, issued public advice to stay indoors when violence erupted. Videos showed cars and buildings ablaze in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, with tourists walking on the beach while smoke rose in the distance. In nearby Guadalajara, the streets were almost empty on Sunday as fearful residents stayed home; Guadalajara is scheduled to be one of the 2026 World Cup host cities.
More than 1, 000 people sheltered in Guadalajara’s zoo as officials tried to calm the public
More than 1, 000 people were stuck in Guadalajara’s zoo overnight to shield from the chaos outside, the zoo’s director, Luis Soto Rendón, said. "We decided to let people stay inside the zoo for their safety, " he said. "There are small children and senior citizens. " Rumours spread that large airports were shut after videos showed people running for cover in airport halls, but the government said that while some flights had been diverted, the airports in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Tepic were operating normally.
Government response, travel warnings and uncertainty about future violence
Several foreign governments issued travel warnings as turmoil unfolded. The president, Claudia Sheinbaum, urged calm, and authorities said all of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states had been cleared. The ministry of foreign affairs released a statement on Monday that said, "In Mexico, the rule of law prevails, and under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum, work continues every day to ensure security and wellbeing in our country. "
Analysts and history point to possible escalation and a fight for control
It is unclear if the violence will continue. Past operations to kill or capture organised crime bosses have led to eruptions of bloodshed and chaos as cartels retaliate against the government, and efforts to remove kingpins have often left dangerous power vacuums that provoke more bloodshed as rival factions fight for control. David Mora, Mexico analyst for International Crisis Group, said he expected to see violence spike. "El Mencho was a very powerful figure who ran a very centralised organisation. There is no clear direct heir or successor, " he said. Mora added that this could create a struggle for control within the group while other cartels may seize the moment to launch turf wars.
