Massive Military Deployment as Violence Spreads Across Mexico
Mexico has deployed thousands of soldiers and National Guard troops to restore order after a wave of violence erupted across the country following the death of powerful drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.”
He died on Sunday shortly after being captured by Mexican special forces in Jalisco state.
According to Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla, an additional 2,500 soldiers were dispatched on Monday, bringing the total deployment to around 9,500 troops since the violence began.
Unrest Spread Across 20 States After El Mencho’s Death
Officials say at least 20 states saw violent outbreaks after news of El Mencho’s death spread.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)—one of Mexico’s most feared criminal groups—responded with coordinated attacks across multiple cities.
- Buses and vehicles torched on major roads
- Roadblocks set up using spikes, nails, and hijacked vehicles
- Banks and businesses burned in targeted attacks
- Streets deserted as residents were ordered to shelter indoors
At least 25 National Guard members have been killed in Jalisco since the violence erupted, officials confirmed.
How El Mencho Was Captured
Security officials say the operation began when forces tracked down a romantic partner El Mencho planned to meet.
He was severely injured in a firefight between his bodyguards and military commandos in Tapalpa, western Mexico.
He later died while being transported to Mexico City for detention.
- Six of his security guards were killed in the operation
- Three Mexican soldiers were wounded
- A prison guard, a member of the state prosecutor’s office, and 30 cartel members have died in subsequent clashes, according to AFP
The U.S. State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Mexico clarified that no U.S. personnel were involved in the raid.
Scenes of Chaos Across Tourist Hubs
Videos verified by BBC Verify show:
- Burning buses in Puerto Vallarta
- Tourists watching from hotel pools as military helicopters fly overhead
- Smoke rising from buildings near beachfront areas
- Gun battles between cartel members and National Guard units in San Isidro, near Guadalajara
CCTV footage from a restaurant captured a vehicle ramming a National Guard truck while gunmen opened fire.
Government Response: “There Is Calm, There Is Coordination”
President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the military’s actions and vowed to restore security nationwide.
“There is calm, there is government, there are armed forces, and there is strong co-ordination,” Sheinbaum said.
Authorities say major roadblocks were cleared by Monday morning, though many communities remain on high alert.
Who Was El Mencho?
El Mencho was the leader of the CJNG, Mexico’s most dangerous cartel known for extreme violence, assassinations, extortion, and trafficking.
He was considered Mexico’s most wanted man for nearly a decade and one of the most elusive cartel leaders in modern history.