Violence and unrest have swept across parts of Mexico following a military operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, the longtime leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
CBS News reports the US played a role in the Mexico-led operation that killed CJNG boss El Mencho, with a Pentagon joint task force regularly working alongside the Mexican military. The unit reportedly supplied intelligence to Mexican forces ahead of the strike.
U.S. citizens in affected areas were advised to shelter in place. Some open-source intelligence commentators have alleged that U.S. Special Forces assisted in the mission.
Thick plumes of smoke were reported in several cities after the operation, as cartel members allegedly launched retaliatory attacks. According to reports, A message attributed to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) circulated warning residents of Guadalajara and surrounding areas to stay home, claiming they will target anyone found on the streets starting at 2:00 PM.
CJNG has also threatened to forcibly enter homes and hotels if Mexican authorities fail to comply with its demands. CJNG warned residents of Guadalajara to remain indoors or risk violent consequences. Gunmen reportedly stormed airports and exchanged fire with Mexican security forces, while roadblocks were established in multiple states. A pilot at Guadalajara International Airport posted a video to X that CJNG is storming the airport.
Dozens of social media users uploaded photos and videos of the chaos. One user wrote, “Airports shut down, military getting involved, power may soon be cut, our resort is surrounded by burning cars, the situation is intense!”
The United States had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to El Mencho’s capture. In addition to his reported death, a senior CJNG figure is said to have been taken into custody.