Mexico erupts after El Mencho killing: troop surge, deadly National Guard losses and questions over World Cup security
Mexico is facing a sharp security crisis after the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho. The killing has triggered waves of violence, a large military deployment and fresh doubts about the country’s preparedness to co-host this summer’s Fifa World Cup.
Mexico security response and troop deployments
Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said an extra 2, 500 soldiers were sent to western Mexico on Monday, bringing the total deployed since Sunday to about 9, 500 troops. The deployments followed widespread unrest after El Mencho was captured and died shortly afterwards while being transported to Mexico City.
Federal forces are operating alongside members of the National Guard; images from Jalisco showed a National Guard member standing near the charred wreckage of a bus that appears to have been set on fire by organised crime groups. Federal police were also pictured guarding the security secretary's building in Mexico City.
Violence after the capture and death of El Mencho
El Mencho was shot during an attempt to capture him in Tapalpa, Jalisco. Defence information that led to the initial capture stemmed from a romantic partner he was meeting. He was seriously injured in a firefight between his bodyguards and military commandos and died while being transported from Tapalpa to Mexico City.
The operation that led to his capture and death also left at least six of his security guards dead and three members of the Mexican military injured. As the news spread, members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) launched coordinated attacks in towns and cities where the cartel operates.
Casualties, damage and the scale of unrest
At least 25 members of Mexico's National Guard have been killed in Jalisco state since the violence erupted. Separate briefings indicate at least 25 National Guard officers were killed inside a 24-hour period. Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said a prison guard, a member of the state prosecutor's office, and 30 members of El Mencho's criminal organisation had been killed in the unrest since his death.
Cartel operatives blocked roads by scattering spikes and nails on tarmac, commandeered buses and other vehicles, and set them alight in the middle of roads. Dozens of banks and local businesses were damaged after being set on fire. Authorities said road blocks had been cleared by Monday morning, but residents in several areas were warned to shelter indoors.
Geographic spread, declared emergencies and civilian warnings
Violence began in central-western Jalisco, where a code red security situation has been declared, and spread to at least a dozen more regions. At least 20 states have seen unrest since El Mencho's death. Jalisco residents were explicitly warned to stay indoors, and governments advised their citizens in affected areas to shelter in place. The US State Department opened a 24/7 crisis hotline and called on Americans to shelter in specific tourist destinations, while another country cancelled flights to the Puerto Vallarta airport and many planes were shown returning to departure points on flight-tracking services.
Impact on air travel and local transport
Mexico's president said flights from Puerto Vallarta are expected to resume "today or tomorrow. " One airline announced that flights to and from Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and Tepic will gradually resume from today. Another international carrier indicated it would operate flights to Mexico from its European hubs today. Flight suspensions and advisories have affected travel in and out of several tourist and regional airports.
World Cup hosting questions and the CJNG's influence
Experts warn that Mexico's co-hosting of this summer's Fifa World Cup could be compromised by the current eruption of cartel violence. Guadalajara — capital of Jalisco and home to more than a million people — is scheduled to host four World Cup matches. Mexico City is scheduled for five matches and Monterrey for four, raising concern about security planning in host cities.
Analysts note the Jalisco New Generation Cartel is a deeply entrenched criminal organisation: estimated to be worth more than £10bn with tens of thousands of members, it has been linked to massacres, kidnappings and killings of politicians since its formation in 2009. Some cartel figures retain local popularity by financing infrastructure and facilities, and the group has economic incentives to keep major events peaceful since it benefits from tourism and commercial activity.
Why the CJNG responded and what may come next
Observers argue the cartel's response was predictable: when a leader is captured or killed, contenders often move to assert control and demonstrate strength. Commentators say that a power vacuum could lead to further instability as rivals vie to replace El Mencho. The CJNG's tactics — including highly visual attacks designed to be filmed and amplified on social media — appear aimed at projecting a nationwide response.
Details remain evolving and some elements are unclear in the provided context. Recent updates indicate the security situation continues to develop and authorities are focused on stabilising affected states and protecting civilians and key events.
