Mexico violence: mexico deploys thousands of troops after El Mencho killing

mexico has dispatched large numbers of soldiers after a wave of violence erupted following the capture and death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho. " Authorities say the operation that led to his death touched off attacks by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel across many towns and states.

Deployment and troop numbers

Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said an extra 2, 500 soldiers were sent to western Mexico on Monday, bringing the total to about 9, 500 troops deployed overall since Sunday. The deployments followed unrest that began after the arrest and subsequent death in custody of El Mencho in Jalisco state.

How the capture unfolded

Trevilla said forces tracked down a romantic partner El Mencho was meeting. He was shot during an attempt to capture him in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state, was seriously injured in a firefight between his bodyguards and the military commandos deployed to capture him, and died while the military was transporting him to the capital, Mexico City.

Deaths and injuries recorded

The defence ministry said at least six of El Mencho's security guards were killed in the operation and three members of the Mexican military were injured. The country's security minister said at least 25 members of the National Guard have died in Jalisco state since the violence erupted, and that at least 25 National Guard officers were killed inside 24 hours. 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.

Attacks, tactics and damage

As news of El Mencho's death spread, members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel launched attacks in many towns and cities where the CJNG is active. In some towns they blocked roads by throwing spikes and nails onto the tarmac; in others they commandeered buses and other vehicles and then torched them in the middle of the road. Dozens of banks and local businesses were damaged after being set alight. Images show a charred bus and smoke billowing over Puerto Vallarta on Sunday.

Security measures, warnings and travel disruption

Jalisco residents were warned to stay indoors. The UK Foreign Office told Britons to shelter inside, and the US State Department opened a 24/7 crisis hotline and called on Americans to shelter in various parts of the country, including the tourist hotspots Cancun, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta. The US advised Americans in Jalisco to shelter indoors until further notice, and Canada cancelled flights to the Puerto Vallarta airport while flight tracking apps showed many aeroplanes returning to their departure destinations.

Impact on events and public safety

Violence began in central-western Jalisco, where a code red security situation has been declared, and spread to at least a dozen more regions and at least 20 states. Videos posted online show gunmen patrolling streets and smoke billowing over cities. Guadalajara, the capital city of Jalisco and home to more than a million people, is scheduled to host four matches at this summer's Fifa World Cup; Mexico City is scheduled to host five matches, and Monterrey four. Experts have warned the unrest could pose security challenges for the tournament.

Cartel profile and reactions

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is one of Mexico's most feared criminal organisations. It is estimated to be worth more than £10bn, is said to have 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 a level of popularity within local communities because they provide financing for local infrastructure and facilities. One CJNG member described the violence as "revenge" for their leader's death.

Voices on the crisis

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the army's operation that led to El Mencho's death and said her priority is to guarantee peace and security across the country. She said: "There is calm, there is government, there are armed forces, and there is a lot of co-ordination. " Javier Eskauriatza, assistant professor of criminal law at the University of Nottingham, warned: "When you push down on the cartels you do get pushback - the danger is that it can be very difficult to manage a security situation that spirals out of control. " He added: "In general the cartels have an economic interest in making sure the World Cup is peaceful, " and said: "Yes they pay off politicians and local police forces, but they also buy restaurants and own hotels. They are part of the economic system. " He also said: "It is useful for them if Brits, Americans, and others go to Mexico, spend their money and have a good time. "

Sheinbaum said the road blocks had been cleared by Monday morning. Mexico's president said flights from Puerto Vallarta, where there was significant violence on Sunday, are expected to resume today or tomorrow. Aeromexico announced flights to and from airports in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and Tepic will gradually resume from today, and German airline Lufthansa said it would operate flights to Mexico from Frankfurt and Munich today. Pictures from Mexico City showed members of the federal police guarding the security secretary's building.

Violence in mexico after the killing of El Mencho has produced widespread disruption, numerous deaths and a heavy security response while officials work to restore order.