The Mexican army on Sunday killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the country's most powerful drug cartel leader and one of America's most wanted fugitives. The operation was considered a major success for the Mexican government, but violence erupted across the country shortly afterward, with members of the drug cartel engaging in arson and shootings. Several retail stores, public vehicles, and buildings were set ablaze by cartel members. Shootings were reported in several areas. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC), which is currently Mexico's largest, fastest-growing, and most dangerous gang.
Who was El Mencho?
Nemesio Oseguera, 59, hailed from the western Mexican state of Michoacan and was a prominent figure in organized crime for the past three decades.
In 1994, he was sentenced to three years in prison for heroin smuggling into the United States. After his release, he returned to Mexico and rapidly strengthened his hold on the drug trafficking world.
Around 2009, he founded the Jalisco New Generation Drug Cartel. This gang was involved in smuggling cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and illegal immigrants into the United States.
The JNGC adopted new methods of violence, using weapons such as drones and IEDs. In 2015, it unsuccessfully attempted to shoot down a Mexican army helicopter in Jalisco and attacked the then-Police Chief of Mexico City, Omar Garcia. These daring attacks established the cartel's dangerous reputation.
Nationwide violence following El Mencho's murder
Following El Mencho's death, cartel members carried out arson and road blockades in several states. Vehicles were burned and roads were blocked in nearly a dozen states.
People in Mexico's second-largest city, Guadalajara, are confined to their homes. Schools were closed in several states on Monday, and security forces were placed on high alert.
Even Guatemala tightened security at the Mexican border.
US-Mexico relations could benefit
Oseguera was wanted in the US on several counts. The US State Department had offered a $15 million reward for his arrest.
President Donald Trump's administration had designated the El Mencho cartel as a foreign terrorist organization. The Trump administration has consistently pressured Mexico to take stronger action against the drug cartel, even threatening tariffs or unilateral military action.
Now, El Mencho's death could improve relations between the two countries.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau praised the action, saying, "The forces of good are stronger than the forces of evil."
According to former DEA officer Mike Vigil, this action sends a strong message to the Trump administration that Mexico is effectively fighting against the most powerful cartel.
Who will take charge now?
After El Mencho's death, the question now is who will take command of the Jalisco drug cartel. This cartel is active in at least 21 of Mexico's 32 states and is reported to have a presence in almost every part of the United States.
Experts say that El Mencho controlled the entire organization. His absence could temporarily slow the cartel's progress and give rival cartels an edge. This could trigger a wave of violence in Mexico.
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