Clashes erupted across Mexico on Sunday following a military operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” one of the country’s most infamous drug traffickers. The violence left dozens dead and produced images of roadblocks, armed men, and civilians seeking cover.
Escalation of Violence
Gunmen loyal to El Mencho’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel poured into several cities within hours of the operation, burning buses and firing automatic weapons. According to International Crisis Group analyst David Mora, “The city was completely emptied…it was a ghost town — there was no one on the streets yesterday.”
Casualties and Response
The fighting resulted in at least 70 deaths, including 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard, which carried out the mission with intelligence support from U.S. Military and law enforcement, according to President Claudia Sheinbaum. Sheinbaum stated on Monday, “The country is at peace…It’s calm.”
U.S. Pressure and Mexican Strategy
The operation occurred amid a pressure campaign from the Trump administration, which has blamed Sheinbaum’s government for allowing drugs to flow into the U.S. President Trump has previously insinuated the Mexican government is controlled by trafficking networks and threatened unilateral military action. Mora noted that targeting El Mencho was “an indication of the new framing of this government’s security strategy,” but also linked to pressure from Trump.
A Familiar Pattern
Despite Mexico’s willingness to hand over high-profile narcos for trial in the U.S., and President Trump’s willingness to pardon convicted drug traffickers, Trump has shown no signs of easing pressure. He wrote on social media Monday, “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!”
Jesús Esquivel, a journalist with La Jornada, stated, “This represents a breakthrough…But now the question now is: What are you going to do to reduce demand and consumption? What are you going to do to stop arms trafficking?”
Looking Ahead
The death of El Mencho may lead to fracturing within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, potentially increasing violence as rival factions compete for control, according to anthropologist Ieva Jusionyte. This could continue a pattern of militarized responses to organized crime that, over the past 20 years, has failed to stem the flow of drugs into the U.S. And has resulted in widespread violence and a weakened justice system in Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent violence in Mexico?
The violence erupted following a military operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” a leading figure in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
What was the response from the Mexican government?
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that “The country is at peace” and “It’s calm” following the operation, despite reports of widespread clashes and dozens of deaths.
What role did the U.S. Play in this situation?
The Trump administration has been pressuring the Mexican government to address drug trafficking, and the operation occurred with intelligence support from U.S. Military and law enforcement.
What long-term effects might this operation have on the fight against drug cartels in Mexico?
