Mexico has mobilized thousands of troops to strengthen security after a surge of violence erupted following the death of one of the country’s most powerful drug lords.
Secretary of Defense Ricardo Trevilla announced that an additional 2,500 troops were sent to western Mexico on Monday, bringing the total deployed since Sunday to approximately 9,500 personnel.
The unrest followed the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho”, who died in custody on Sunday after being captured by Mexican special forces in Jalisco.
El Mencho was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), considered one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminal organizations, and had been the country’s most wanted man.
Since the outbreak of violence, at least 25 members of the Mexican National Guard have died in Jalisco, according to the country’s security minister.
El Mencho was severely wounded in a firefight between his bodyguards and military units during his capture and died while being transported from Tapalpa to Mexico City. Six of his security personnel were killed, and three Mexican soldiers were injured in the operation, the Defense Ministry reported.
Secretary of Security Omar Garcia Harfuch stated that a prison guard, a state prosecutor’s office member, and 30 cartel members were also killed in the ensuing violence, AFP reported.
President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the military operation that led to El Mencho’s death, emphasizing that her priority remains ensuring peace and security nationwide. She stated, “There is calm, there is government, there are armed forces, and there is significant coordination.”
Following the news of El Mencho’s death, members of the CJNG launched attacks in multiple cities where the cartel operates, underscoring ongoing security challenges.
