Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) carried out coordinated violent actions in 20 Mexican states following the death of their leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”. Oseguera Cervantes died on Sunday during a military transport from Tapalpa to Mexico City after being detained by special forces. He had been wounded during an exchange of fire in the arrest operation.
At least six of his bodyguards were killed in the operation, and three soldiers were injured. After news of his death was announced, cartel members set fire to buildings and blocked roads using burning vehicles and scattered nails. In Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, movement restrictions were introduced, and the airport in Puerto Vallarta was evacuated and placed under police security.
Authorities recorded more than 250 road blockades, most of which have been cleared. Twenty-five people were detained in connection with violence and looting. In the state of Jalisco, an emergency alert was declared and public transport, mass events and school classes were suspended. The United States government had offered a reward of 15 million US dollars for information leading to Oseguera Cervantes’s capture. The President of Mexico stated that most of the country is operating without disruption.