The death of Mexico’s most-wanted cartel boss triggered nationwide retaliatory attacks, killing 25 National Guard members and disrupting flights.
MEXICO CITY: The death of infamous cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho”, has unleashed a wave of retaliatory violence across Mexico. Authorities confirmed 25 members of the National Guard military police were killed in attacks following the operation.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) boss died after being injured in a military raid on his compound. Information from a confidante of one of Oseguera’s romantic partners helped officials quickly plan the assault for the following day.
During the raid, Oseguera’s gunmen opened fire on security forces. The conflict moved to a cabin complex in a wooded area outside Tapalpa, Jalisco, where he was injured along with two bodyguards.
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The three were transported by helicopter to Mexico City but did not survive. “Unfortunately, they died on the way,” Defence Minister Ricardo Trevilla said.
Authorities found rifles with grenade launchers, rocket launchers and mortar shells at the site. The Attorney General’s Office said it was carrying out necessary proceedings across 14 states.
Oseguera’s death triggered immediate violence as cartel loyalists blocked roads and burned cars. Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said 30 cartel members and one bystander were killed in these attacks.
At least 70 people were arrested in seven states. Officials registered at least 85 roadblocks across Mexico on Sunday.
The defence ministry said attacks in Jalisco were masterminded by Oseguera’s right-hand man, known as “El Tuli”. He was also killed in a clash with security forces as they attempted to arrest him.
The cartel operative had offered a 20,000 peso (RM1,160) reward for the deaths of military personnel. Garcia added that authorities were closely monitoring for a reaction or restructuring within the cartel.
“There is already a specific surveillance of several leaders of this criminal organization,” he said. Officials confirmed U.S. intelligence was used to help pinpoint the compound’s location.
President Claudia Sheinbaum underscored that the operation was Mexican. “There was no participation in this operation of U.S. forces. What there was, was an exchange of information,” she said.
The flare-ups caused airlines to cancel flights on Sunday. Shares in Mexican airline Volaris and airport operators GAP and ASUR were down more than 4% on Monday morning.
Airline Aeromexico said it was gradually resuming flights. State oil firm Pemex said its operations were working normally and fuel supplies were guaranteed nationwide.
Kimberley Sperrfechter, an economist at Capital Economics, said the immediate impact would hit tourism. She warned prolonged unrest could also risk electronics and semiconductor manufacturing in Jalisco state.
The state is also an agricultural hub for products such as eggs, berries and avocados. It is the leading producer of tequila.
“Beyond the macro implications, the killing shows that Mexico’s government is doing what it can to appease the Trump administration ahead of this year’s USMCA review,” she added.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Mexico to further boost its efforts. “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!” he wrote in a social media post.
Oseguera’s death deals a strong blow to the CJNG cartel, believed to be a major supplier of fentanyl to the U.S. The U.S. had offered a USD 15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Mexican authorities have long called on the U.S. to do more to limit illegal firearms sales. According to U.S. government data, some 70% of illegal arms traced in Mexico came from the U.S.
Over 130,000 people are missing in Mexico, where much violence is associated with organized crime. Sheinbaum said the situation was normalising and her government’s priority was ensuring peace and security.
There were no active roadblocks as of Monday morning, she said.
The Sun Malaysia
