Mexico News: Cartel Retaliation After El Mencho’s Death Raises World Cup Security Fears
mexico news — Violence that began on Sunday after federal forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho, ” has produced gun battles with the military, burned vehicles and widespread roadblocks that experts fear could threaten Mexico’s co-hosting of this summer’s Fifa World Cup.
Mexico News: Violence spreads from Jalisco
The unrest began in the central-western state of Jalisco, where a code red security situation was declared, and has spread to at least a dozen more regions with videos online showing gunmen patrolling streets and smoke billowing over cities. Cartel foot soldiers blocked roads by torching cars and buses, and cars and buildings were filmed ablaze in Puerto Vallarta.
Raid that killed 'El Mencho' and immediate toll
Authorities attempted to capture Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes in Jalisco on Sunday; the raid led to a firefight that fatally wounded the 59-year-old leader and killed six of his accomplices. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, launched retaliatory attacks after the raid. The defence minister, Ricardo Trevilla, said information that led to the capture and death stemmed from a romantic partner.
Mexico’s security minister, Omar García Harfuch, said 25 members of the National Guard and one security guard have been killed in the violence; he added that 30 cartel operatives and one bystander were killed. Another report put the toll at at least 25 National Guard officers killed within 24 hours.
Cities, airports and tourism hit: Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Monterrey
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco and home to more than a million people, was nearly deserted as fearful residents stayed home. More than 1, 000 people were stranded overnight inside Guadalajara’s zoo, director Luis Soto Rendón said, and the zoo kept people inside for their safety. Puerto Vallarta saw videos of tourists walking on the beach with smoke rising in the distance and local authorities issued public advice to stay indoors.
Air travel was disrupted: Canada cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta and flight-tracking services showed many aeroplanes returning to their departure destinations. Rumours spread that large airports had been shut after videos showed people running for cover in airport halls, but the government said while some flights had been diverted the airports in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Tepic were operating normally. The US government advised Americans in Jalisco to shelter indoors until further notice.
Military, officials and analysts weigh in
The CJNG engaged in gun shootouts with the Mexican military, blocked roads and burned vehicles in response to the killing of its leader. The cartel 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.
Experts warn the power vacuum created by El Mencho’s death could spur instability. Javier Eskauriatza, assistant professor of criminal law at the University of Nottingham, said pushback is to be expected when authorities press cartels and that a security situation can spiral out of control. David Mora, an analyst for International Crisis Group, said El Mencho ran a highly centralised organisation with no clear direct heir or successor, which could create a struggle for control and invite other cartels to launch turf wars.
Authorities said more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states had been cleared and President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm. The ministry of foreign affairs released a statement saying, “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. ”
What this means for the World Cup and next steps
Officials and experts asked whether the eruption of violence could compromise Mexico’s role as co-host of the summer’s Fifa World Cup. Guadalajara is scheduled to host four matches at the tournament; Mexico City is scheduled for five; and Monterrey is scheduled for four. Analysts note that cartels have economic incentives to keep major events peaceful because they invest in local businesses, pay off officials and benefit from tourist spending.
Sport has contacted Fifa for comment. For now, authorities say roadblocks have been cleared across 20 states and key airports are operating; cities designated to host World Cup matches — Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey — remain on the summer tournament calendar.
