The Mexican Bishops’ Conference has called on Catholics across the country to intensify prayers for peace after the Mexican military killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. His death triggered violent reprisals, including road blockades and burning vehicles across multiple states.
Military Operation in Jalisco
According to the Mexican government, military forces were deployed on Feb. 22 to Tapalpa, Jalisco, in an operation aimed at capturing Oseguera.
During the confrontation:
- Soldiers were attacked by cartel gunmen
- They responded in self-defense
- Four CJNG members were killed on the spot
- Three others, seriously injured, died en route to Mexico City
- Among the dead was “El Mencho”, one of the most powerful cartel leaders in Mexico
Cartel Retaliation Across Several States
Following the operation, CJNG members carried out coordinated acts of violence, setting vehicles ablaze to block law enforcement access.
According to Mexican newspaper Milenio, road blockades and burning vehicles were reported in:
- Jalisco
- Michoacán
- Tamaulipas
- Colima
- Guanajuato
- Aguascalientes
- Veracruz
- Guerrero
Authorities urged the public to remain indoors during flare-ups of violence.
Bishops Call for Security, Prudence & Prayer
In a pastoral statement, the Mexican Bishops’ Conference expressed solidarity with civilians affected by the unrest:
“We urge you to reinforce personal and community security measures, stay in your homes when necessary, and avoid unnecessary travel, always following instructions of civil authorities.”
The bishops also called for renewed prayer for national peace, entrusting the country to Our Lady of Guadalupe, describing her as “Queen of Peace,” asking for protection over families and guidance toward justice and hope.
International Cooperation
The Mexican government revealed that the operation against Oseguera relied not only on military intelligence, but also on bilateral coordination with the United States, including supplementary information from American authorities.