Mexico News: mexico news — Cartel violence after El Mencho raid threatens World Cup hosting
The killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, has triggered widespread retaliatory violence across Mexico this week, and the turmoil now poses questions about security at World Cup venues. The country’s surge in attacks, roadblocks and arson has killed dozens and disrupted travel and daily life in key tourist and host cities.
Mexico News: violence erupted after a federal raid in Jalisco
Authorities attempted to capture Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday; the raid led to a firefight that fatally wounded El Mencho and killed six of his accomplices. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, responded with gun shootouts against the Mexican military, blocked roads and burned vehicles, and violence that began in central-western Jalisco — where a code red security situation has been declared — has spread to at least a dozen more regions.
Death toll and official tallies from security leaders
Mexico’s security minister, Omar García Harfuch, said retaliatory cartel attacks have killed 25 members of the National Guard and one security guard, and that 30 cartel operatives were killed as well as one bystander. Other reporting notes at least 25 National Guard officers were killed within 24 hours. The defence minister, Ricardo Trevilla, said information leading to the capture and death stemmed from a romantic partner.
Scenes in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara: roadblocks, fires and stranded people
In the country’s west, cartel foot soldiers blocked roads by torching cars and buses; videos showed cars and buildings ablaze in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, and authorities in Puerto Vallarta issued public advice to stay indoors. Tourists were seen walking on the beach with smoke rising in the distance. In Guadalajara, streets were almost empty as fearful residents stayed home and more than 1, 000 people were stuck overnight in the city zoo. Luis Soto Rendón, the zoo’s director, said they decided to let people stay inside the zoo for their safety and that there are small children and senior citizens among those sheltering.
World Cup host cities and the economic stakes
Guadalajara, the capital city of Jalisco and home to more than a million people, is scheduled to host four matches at this summer’s tournament. Mexico City is scheduled to host five matches and Monterrey four. Javier Eskauriatza, assistant professor of criminal law at the University of Nottingham, warned that when authorities push down on cartels they get pushback and that it can be difficult to manage a security situation that spirals out of control. He also said cartels have an economic interest in ensuring the World Cup is peaceful, noting they pay off politicians and local police, buy restaurants and own hotels, and benefit when visitors spend money in Mexico. He added that the CJNG’s response to the leader’s death was, in part, required by the organisation’s rules and that the group has made sure its retaliation looks national, knowing social media will amplify the footage.
Security operations, travel disruption and uncertainty about what comes next
Authorities said more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states had been cleared, and the president, Claudia Sheinbaum, urged calm while work continues to ensure security and wellbeing in the country. Rumours that large airports were shut spread after videos showed people running for cover in airport halls; the government said some flights had been diverted but that the airports in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Tepic were operating normally. The US government advised Americans in Jalisco to shelter indoors until further notice, Canada cancelled flights to the Puerto Vallarta airport, and flight tracking apps showed many aeroplanes returning to their departure destinations around the world.
Who the CJNG are and how the killing could reshape criminal dynamics
The CJNG is described as one of Mexico’s most powerful and feared criminal organisations. It is estimated to be worth more than £10bn, has tens of thousands of members, and has been responsible for a series of massacres, kidnappings and killings of politicians since its formation in 2009. Some cartel figures retain popularity in local communities by financing infrastructure and facilities. David Mora, a Mexico analyst for the International Crisis Group, said he expected to see violence spike because El Mencho ran a very centralised organisation with no clear direct heir or successor, a situation that could create a struggle for control within the CJNG and invite rival cartels to launch turf wars. It is unclear in the provided context whether the violence will continue.
