Violence Erupts After El Mencho’s Death in Military Raid

One of Mexico’s most notorious drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, was killed in a US-backed raid carried out by Mexican special forces in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The operation, which took place on February 22, left the cartel boss injured before he died in custody.

El Mencho, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), had long been considered one of the most dangerous figures in Mexico’s drug war. His death marks a significant blow to the cartel but has also triggered widespread retaliatory violence across the region.

Following the raid, cartel members launched coordinated attacks, blocking highways with burning vehicles and torching businesses. The wave of violence underscored the cartel’s reach and its ability to disrupt civilian life in response to leadership losses.

Security analysts warn that while El Mencho’s death may weaken CJNG’s command structure, it could also spark internal power struggles and intensify violence as rival groups attempt to exploit the leadership vacuum. The incident highlights the fragile balance of Mexico’s security landscape, where military victories often lead to short-term instability.

The US-backed involvement in the raid reflects growing cooperation between Washington and Mexico in tackling organized crime. However, experts caution that dismantling cartels requires more than eliminating leaders—it demands systemic reforms, stronger institutions, and sustained community support to reduce the influence of organized crime.

El Mencho’s death is a turning point in Mexico’s ongoing battle against drug cartels, but the retaliatory violence shows that the fight is far from over.