Mexico has deployed thousands of soldiers to enhance security following a surge in violence triggered by the death of a notorious drug lord, as confirmed by the country’s security minister.
Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla announced the deployment of an additional 2,500 soldiers to western Mexico on Monday, bringing the total number of troops mobilized since Sunday to approximately 9,500.
In the wake of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes—known as “El Mencho”—dying in custody shortly after being captured by special forces in Jalisco state, at least 20 states have experienced unrest.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most feared criminal organizations, had El Mencho as its leader, who was the country’s most wanted fugitive.
According to the security minister, at least 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard have lost their lives in Jalisco state since the outbreak of violence.
Defence Secretary Trevilla revealed that El Mencho’s capture resulted from forces tracking a romantic partner he was meeting.
During the operation, El Mencho sustained severe injuries in a firefight with military commandos and died while being transported from Tapalpa to Mexico City.
The defence ministry reported that at least six of El Mencho’s security guards were also killed during the operation, and three members of the Mexican military sustained injuries.
Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch reported that a prison guard, a state prosecutor’s office member, and 30 individuals associated with El Mencho’s criminal organization have died amid the unrest, as reported by AFP news agency.
President Claudia Sheinbaum commended the military’s operation that led to El Mencho’s demise, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring peace and security throughout the nation. “There is calm, there is government, there are armed forces, and there is a lot of coordination,” she stated.
As news of El Mencho’s death circulated, cartel members initiated attacks across numerous towns and cities where the CJNG operates.
In several locations, they obstructed roads by scattering spikes and nails, while in others, they commandeered and set fire to buses and vehicles in the streets.
Sheinbaum confirmed that the roadblocks had been cleared by Monday morning.
Nonetheless, numerous banks and local businesses suffered damage after being set ablaze by cartel members.
Videos verified by BBC Verify depict tourists observing from a pool as a military helicopter hovers low over their hotel, smoke rising from buildings in Puerto Vallarta, a city in Jalisco state.
On Sunday, many towns appeared deserted as local authorities advised residents to remain indoors for safety.
BBC Verify also authenticated videos capturing clashes between cartel members and Mexico’s National Guard in San Isidro, located just north of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state. One video shows an armed individual firing at several vehicles, while other footage reveals at least four bodies slumped beside a car.
CCTV footage from a nearby restaurant captured a vehicle colliding with a National Guard truck as cartel members opened fire around 11:00 local time (05:00 GMT). The National Guard has not disclosed any details regarding this incident.
The US State Department had previously offered a $15 million (£11.1 million) reward for information leading to El Mencho’s capture.
The Mexican Ministry of Defence stated that the operation to apprehend El Mencho was conducted by the Mexican army, with support from the National Guard and the Air Force. It further clarified that while “complementary information” from the US aided in the capture, no US forces participated in his killing, according to AFP news agency.
