El Mencho’s Death: Mexico Cartel Revenge Attacks Surge

Gunmen suspected of supporting slain drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho, blocked highways and set vehicles and businesses ablaze across multiple Mexican states following a military raid that killed him on Sunday.

Violence Erupts After El Mencho’s Death

In several towns, residents and tourists were advised to shelter in place while truckers were urged to alter routes or suspend travel until the violence subsided. Several airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines and Aero Mexico, cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta after plumes of smoke were seen rising from fires in the resort town.

The outbreak of violence across more than half a dozen states mirrors a pattern seen over the past two decades as successive Mexican governments have waged war on drug cartels.

A member of Oseguera’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) told authorities the attacks were in retaliation for the government’s killing of Oseguera, warning of further bloodshed as groups attempt to seize control of the cartel. “At first against the government and out of discontent,” the person said, speaking anonymously. “But later, the internal killings are coming, by the groups moving in to take over.”

Beachgoers in Puerto Vallarta, located five hours from the military operation in Tapalpa, filmed thick smoke obscuring ocean views, according to video shared with authorities. Daniel Drolet, a Canadian wintering in Puerto Vallarta, expressed concern about a potential escalation of violence in the typically peaceful resort area. “I have never seen anything like this before,” he said.

In Jalisco state, authorities reported an attack on a National Guard base and recommended guests remain in hotels and suspend public transportation. Videos shared by government security sources showed a military tank moving through a residential neighbourhood in Aguascalientes state and roadblocks paralyzing the Mexico-Puebla highway.

In Colima state, cartel members blocked a road from pick-up trucks. A trucking industry group expressed “profound worry” and advised truckers to seek safe locations or return to their depots.

Guanajuato state, a CJNG stronghold, reported 55 incidents across 23 municipalities, resulting in 18 arrests, and stated that all incidents were brought under control by evening.

Carlo Gutierrez, a resident of Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital, said people were encouraged to stay home through WhatsApp groups. “There is fear and a lot of caution,” he said of the city, which is one of three main Mexican venues for World Cup soccer matches this summer.

Authorities have not reported any casualties beyond cartel members and officials killed during the military operation. Previous cartel arrests and killings have triggered outbreaks of violence, prompting caution from Mexican authorities before launching major campaigns.

The 2019 detention and subsequent release of Ovidio Guzman, son of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, led to widespread gun battles. His arrest in 2023 also sparked violence. The 2024 arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada triggered a continuing power struggle within the Sinaloa Cartel.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed sadness and concern over the violence in a social media post, stating, “It’s not surprising that the bad guys are responding with terror. But we must never lose our nerve.”

Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, acknowledged the violence in a social media post, but stated that “activities are happening with absolute normalcy” in most of the country.