The Mexican government killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (also known as "El Mencho"), head of the Jalisco Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the world's largest drug organizations. Shortly after, however, cartel members' retaliatory attacks continued across Mexico, raising concerns over security ahead of a North American World Cup.
Yonhap News reported on the 24th that Mexican Defense Minister Ricardo Treviya Trejo officially announced at a regular press conference that El Mencho died while being transported from a gunshot wound during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Defense Minister Omar Garcia Harpuch also attended the conference.
The authorities tracked down El Mencho's lover and deployed a joint operation team consisting of military special forces, national guards, and police. After a massive operation involving aircraft and combat helicopters, El Mencho was arrested while fighting with security personnel, but he was seriously injured and died on his way to Mexico City. The U.S. intelligence agency reportedly provided information support including location tracking in the operation. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has offered El Mencho a reward of 15 million U.S. dollars. The Donald Trump administration previously designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization. "We commend the Mexican government for its support in the operation," White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said.
CJNG is an organization that has smuggled large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States based in Mexico. It is considered one of Mexico's two major drug trafficking organizations along with the Sinaloa Cartel. Since its formation in 2009, CJNG has rapidly expanded its power and is notorious for its armed forces mobilizing drone bombs, landmines, and even helicopters. However, after El Mencho's death, the situation rapidly deteriorated. Cartel members launched retaliatory attacks in several states, including Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacan, Puebla, and Tamaulipas, by blocking roads and setting fire to vehicles and stores. Attacks have also taken place targeting military facilities.
According to Mexican authorities, a total of 70 people, including 25 agents, were killed during the operation and subsequent clashes. Local media reported that the death toll, including civilians unrelated to the incident, exceeds 60. More than 30 more people from violent groups were reported to have died in one day. As the situation spread, the government added 2,500 additional troops to major areas, and the number of security personnel deployed to the area reached 10,000, including the National Guard. Jalisco was ordered to close, and Puerto Vallarta International Airport was temporarily closed, resulting in more than 80 flights being canceled. President Sheinbaum said, "The most important thing is to ensure peace and security through stabilization of security," and stressed, "We are making all-out efforts to protect Mexicans and foreigners."
In particular, the situation is raising concerns in the international community ahead of the upcoming North American World Cup in June. Security checks are underway at major venues such as Mexico City, Guadalajara (Halisco State), and Monterey, but critics point out that the security instability has not been completely resolved due to the continued cartel retaliation attacks. Local media said, "The Mexican government has achieved its best operation to show the results of drug control to the United States, but at the same time, it has been tested for the spread of violence."
Reporter Bang Ji-il: [email protected]
I can't predict how far that situation will go.
It's a deep-rooted battle between those organizations and the government, and I'm more worried about that country's innocent citizens than the World Cup.
I just hope it ends well.
