Massive clashes have erupted across Mexico following a military operation that killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), known universally as El Mencho.
The Mexican defense ministry confirmed that Oseguera Cervantes sustained serious injuries during a shootout in Jalisco on Sunday and died while being airlifted to Mexico City. Four others were killed during the initial raid, with the death toll later rising to seven as critically wounded individuals succumbed to their injuries.
Violence Engulfs Jalisco After El Mencho Killed
The death of the CJNG leader has triggered immediate and widespread retaliation across the Latin American nation. Cartel members have erected roadblocks using burning vehicles in multiple locations throughout Jalisco, including popular tourist destinations.
Key developments in the ongoing Mexico clashes:
- Tourist hubs affected: Violence has been reported in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Tapalpa, with buses and vehicles set ablaze in strategic locations
- Flight operations disrupted: Both Guadalajara International Airport and Puerto Vallarta International Airport have experienced significant disruptions
- Security forces targeted: At least seven National Guard members were killed in Tapalpa and Zapopan, according to state officials cited by the Associated Press
- Prison unrest: A jail guard was killed during prisoner riots at a lockup in Puerto Vallarta
- Prosecutor's office attack: An agent from the Jalisco state prosecutor's office was fatally shot in Guadalajara
Fake AI Video Circulates Amid Chaos
As the Mexico clashes intensified, social media platforms saw the rapid spread of alarming content—including videos purportedly showing a plane engulfed in flames at Guadalajara Airport.
The Mexican Embassy in the United States has swiftly debunked these claims, confirming the footage was generated using artificial intelligence.
"It is FALSE that a plane caught fire at Guadalajara Airport. The image circulating on social media showing a plane allegedly belonging to Volaris on fire in Guadalajara, Jalisco, is false and was generated using Artificial Intelligence," the embassy stated on X.
International Response and Advisories
The United States has issued a "shelter in place" alert for American citizens currently in Mexico, while Canada has advised its nationals to "keep a low profile." Multiple US and Canadian airlines have canceled flights to affected regions.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau characterized the operation that got El Mencho killed as a significant victory, calling it "a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world." However, he expressed sadness over the ensuing violence.
US Intelligence Role Revealed
According to a US defense official speaking to Reuters, a newly established American military task force contributed intelligence to the Mexican operation. The Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel, launched formally last month, involves multiple US government agencies and specializes in intelligence collection targeting drug cartels.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel
The CJNG has emerged as one of Mexico's most powerful and violent criminal organizations under El Mencho's leadership. Known for its military-style tactics and widespread territorial control, the cartel's response to its leader's death presents a critical challenge for Mexican authorities.
What This Means Moving Forward
With El Mencho killed, analysts anticipate intensified power struggles within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and potential expansion of violence as factions compete for control. Mexican security forces remain on high alert, though the full scope of the cartel's retaliatory capacity remains unclear.
Authorities urge citizens and visitors to monitor official channels, avoid affected areas, and exercise extreme caution as the situation continues to develop.
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