Chaos erupts in Mexico as Army kills notorious drug ring leader

Violence has broken out across parts of Mexico following reports that security forces killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the alleged leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The group is regarded as one of the fastest-growing criminal organisations in the country, and El Mencho had long been described as Mexico’s most wanted drug kingpin.

Authorities say he was a key figure in the trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into the United States. Under his leadership, the cartel expanded its operations rapidly and was linked to several high-profile attacks targeting security operatives and public officials who attempted to clamp down on its activities.

Following news of his death, clashes and unrest were reported in some areas, raising concerns about possible retaliation by members of the criminal network and further instability in affected regions.

The 59-year-old former police officer was killed on Sunday as the Mexican military staged a shoot-out in his home state of Jalisco in an attempt to capture him.

Four cartel members were killed at the scene, while another three, including El Mencho, died while being flown to Mexico City, the nation’s capital.

The US provided intelligence support for the operation, according to the White House. The state department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to El Mencho’s capture.

El Mencho’s death triggered chaos across several Mexican states as cartel members barricaded roads, torched vehicles, and clashed with authorities.

Videos on social media showed multiple bonfires and plumes of smoke billowing across Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort city for tourists on Mexico’s west coast.

El Occidental, a local newspaper, published footage showing scenes of what appeared to be heavy fighting in Tapalpa, which is located in Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountain range.

The unrest forced airlines to cancel dozens of flights.

In Jalisco’s capital, Guadalajara, one of the 2026 World Cup host cities, panicked passengers at the airport sprinted for cover, fearing reprisal attacks from El Mencho’s fighters. Armed men were seen torching vehicles in the heart of the city.

A separate video posted on social media showed a group of heavily armed men setting fire to a petrol station in Guadalajara.

School has been cancelled in several Mexican states while local and foreign governments alike asked citizens to remain indoors.

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum urged people to remain “calm”, saying “in most parts of the country, activities are proceeding normally.

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