What Is Happening In Mexico Right Now: Violence Spreads After Military Kills Cartel Boss
what is happening in mexico right now: streets emptied and schools closed across western Mexico after federal forces fatally wounded Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and a wave of retaliatory attacks followed.
How the raid unfolded in Jalisco
Authorities attempted to capture Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday; the raid turned into a firefight that fatally wounded the cartel leader and killed six of his accomplices,. Defence minister Ricardo Trevilla said the information that led to the capture and death came from a romantic partner.
Casualties and security forces hit
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 also said 30 cartel operatives were killed and one bystander died in the violence.
What residents and tourists saw
In Jalisco’s coastal city Puerto Vallarta, authorities advised residents and visitors to stay indoors when violence erupted. Videos showed cars and buildings ablaze on Sunday and tourists walking on the beach with smoke rising in the distance. In Guadalajara, 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 were stranded overnight in Guadalajara’s zoo, the director Luis Soto Rendón said. "We decided to let people stay inside the zoo for their safety, " he said, adding, "There are small children and senior citizens. "
Roadblocks, airports and official responses
In parts of the country, cartel foot soldiers blocked roads by torching cars and buses, leading to school closures and leaving international travellers stranded. Several foreign governments issued travel warnings. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, and authorities said all of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states had been cleared.
Rumours spread that large airports were shut 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 ministry of foreign affairs released a statement on Monday: "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. "
Why analysts worry about what comes next
It is unclear if the violence will continue. David Mora, Mexico analyst for International Crisis Group, said he expected to see violence spike because El Mencho ran a very centralised organisation and there is no clear direct heir or successor; that could create a struggle for control within the group, and other cartels may seize the moment to launch turf wars. Past operations to kill or capture organised crime bosses have led to eruptions of bloodshed, and efforts to remove kingpins have sometimes created dangerous power vacuums as rival factions fight for control.
It is unclear in the provided context what will happen next.
