A top-secret military operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” on Sunday was intended to demonstrate the Mexican government’s ability to combat crime. Although, the operation was met with widespread retaliatory violence from cartel members, sparking fear across 20 of Mexico’s 32 states and raising questions about the government’s control over organized crime.
A Wave of Retaliation
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sought to reassure the public Monday, following reports of cartel members torching cars, killing dozens of soldiers, and disrupting daily life. Sheinbaum stated, “The country is at peace,” and “It’s calm.” Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo added, “Mexico has solid institutions,” and asserted that the operation demonstrated “the strength of the Mexican state.”
However, many Mexicans expressed skepticism that the operation would significantly weaken the cartel. José Armando Torres, a businessman in Guadalajara, stated, “The Army killed El Mencho, their leader. His followers aren’t going to sit around with their arms crossed.” Reports indicated widespread fear and disruption, with residents in Colima rushing to supermarkets amid rumors of further violence.
Concerns Over Instability
Columnist Viri Ríos wrote in Mexico’s Milenio newspaper that Mexican authorities were unprepared for the scale of the retaliation, noting that operations targeting cartel leaders often lead to increased violence. Mike Vigil, former international chief for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, suggested the attacks were intended as a message, demonstrating the cartel’s continued strength to both the Mexican government and rival organizations.
Schools were closed in some states, and flights were suspended in Puerto Vallarta. The U.S. State Department issued a shelter-in-place warning for Americans in Jalisco and four other states. Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s top security official, reported 25 National Guard members killed in six attacks, along with 34 criminal suspects, one prison guard, one prosecutor’s office agent, and one civilian.
U.S. Involvement and Future Outlook
Authorities revealed that intelligence from the United States played a role in identifying Oseguera’s location, but that the operation itself was planned and executed by the Mexican military. Sheinbaum stated, “In this case there was information provided by the United States,” but emphasized that “the entire operation from its planning [stage] was the responsibility of federal forces.”
Oseguera’s death is considered the most significant takedown of a Mexican cartel leader since the 2016 capture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. The operation comes as Sheinbaum faces pressure from the U.S. To address drug trafficking, and follows the White House’s designation of the Jalisco cartel as a foreign terrorist group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent violence in Mexico?
The violence erupted following a military operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel.
How did the Mexican government respond to the violence?
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that “the country is at peace” and “it’s calm,” and the government sent thousands of soldiers to Jalisco to reinforce security.
Was the United States involved in the operation?
Mexican officials stated that U.S. Intelligence provided information, but the operation was planned and executed by the Mexican military.
Given the immediate and forceful response from the cartel, what steps might Mexico take to maintain stability in the coming weeks and months?
