A wave of violence has spread across Mexico following the death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel and one of the country’s most wanted men, for whom the United States had offered a $15 million reward.
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizens to remain “informed and calm” after armed groups blocked highways and set businesses on fire in the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Puebla and Sinaloa.
Several North American airlines canceled dozens of flights to Mexican cities, while US authorities advised their nationals in tourist destinations such as Cancun, Guadalajara and Oaxaca to “shelter in place until further notice.”
“El Mencho” was injured during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and died while being airlifted to Mexico City, according to the army. Authorities said additional intelligence was provided by US officials as part of the operation.
Following the raid, armed men burned vehicles to block major roads in Jalisco and neighboring Michoacán, areas where the cartel operates. Seven suspected criminals were killed, three soldiers were injured, and two cartel members were arrested. Security forces also seized heavy weapons, including rocket launchers.
The violence disrupted Mexican football matches, leading to the suspension of several games in Jalisco.
The cartel, founded in 2009, was designated a terrorist organization by the United States in 2025 and is accused of trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl. Cartel-related violence has claimed more than 450,000 lives and left over 100,000 people missing in Mexico since 2006, according to official figures.
