Killing of Mexican drug cartel boss El Mencho' sparks wave of violence

"Whole areas of western Mexico have been all but shut down after a surge in cartel violence sparked by a military raid that killed one of the world's most wanted drug traffickers, known as El Mencho. Schools were closed in several Mexican states, and foreign governments warned their citizens to stay inside after the drug lord, whose real name is Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, was declared dead on Sunday."

"The operation immediately set off a wave of violence, with gunmen blocking major roads, torching cars and buses and fighting with government forces. There were attacks in 20 of Mexico's 31 states, according to officials. Map showing where Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes was killed La Jornada, a Mexican newspaper, reported that at least 26 people had been killed in the unrest, which was centred in the western state of Jalisco, including a pregnant woman reportedly caught in a shootout between troops and cartel fighters."

"The newspaper said the victims included 17 members of the state and federal security forces and eight members of El Mencho's syndicate, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has become Mexico's most powerful and notorious criminal organisation. As the chaos spread, Jalisco governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged the state's 8 million citizens to stay at home. Lemus said public transport services were being suspended. Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and Mexico's second-largest city, was almost completely shut down as fearful residents stayed home."

Security forces killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, triggering widespread and deadly cartel violence across western Mexico. Gunmen blocked roads, torched vehicles and buses, and fought with government forces. Attacks were reported in 20 of Mexico's 31 states. Schools closed and foreign governments warned citizens to remain indoors as public transport services were suspended in affected areas. Authorities reported at least 26 deaths, including security personnel, cartel members and a pregnant woman. The raid that killed the cartel leader was supported by intelligence from Washington amid pressure to target narcotics trafficking networks.

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