Mexico has plunged into turmoil, prompting urgent travel warnings from the US and Canada and leading to flight cancellations by airlines. This escalation of events was triggered by the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” in a military operation.
Following El Mencho’s demise, his Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) swiftly launched retaliatory attacks in various Mexican states, sparking violent conflicts in urban areas, as reported by Reuters. The coordinated violence exhibited by CJNG gunmen underscored the extensive reach of the organization, which flourished into a transnational criminal enterprise under El Mencho’s leadership.
Cartels, such as CJNG, are not mere gangs but function as paramilitary entities. The post-assassination chaos reflects a demonstration of dominance and power. Under El Mencho’s guidance, CJNG evolved into a well-equipped organization with military-grade weaponry, intelligence networks, and territorial dominance across multiple Mexican states. The cartel’s influence extended beyond Mexico, notably fueling the fentanyl crisis in the United States and maintaining global criminal connections across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Born on July 17, 1966, in Aguililla, Michoacán, El Mencho’s criminal journey began on the fringes of illegal activities, eventually transitioning into the narcotics trade. His pivotal role in Mexico’s criminal underworld emerged in the early 2000s, leading to the establishment and leadership of the formidable Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which rapidly expanded its operations domestically and internationally.
El Mencho’s demise on February 22 in Tapalpa, Jalisco, during a military raid supported by US intelligence marked the end of an era. Despite surviving numerous threats, including assassination attempts and capture endeavors, he succumbed to injuries sustained during the operation. His death revealed the complex dynamics of drug wars, where eliminating a figurehead does not dismantle the entire criminal network, leaving room for successors to emerge.
The killing of El Mencho signifies a significant chapter in the ongoing conflict between cartels and the Mexican government, with violent confrontations and power struggles continuing to plague the region.