Violence in Mexico after the death of drug lord El Mencho: National Guard lost 25 people

Leonardo Montecillo/Agencia Press South/Getty Images

According to the security minister, at least 25 National Guard soldiers died as a result of these attacks, writes the BBC.

Nemecio Oseguera Cervantes, 59, better known by the nickname "El Mencho," died from wounds sustained Sunday during an operation for his capture by Mexican special forces.

Following this, clashes erupted in at least 20 of Mexico's 31 states, involving militants from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), founded by the slain criminal leader.

As Mexico's Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla told the press on Monday, 2,500 soldiers have been sent to the west of the country to maintain order.

The CJNG is one of Mexico's most dangerous mafia organizations, and its deceased leader was number one on the list of wanted criminals in the country.

According to the defense minister, anti-drug traffickers managed to capture El Mencho in the city of Tapalpa in Jalisco state, having tracked his mistress. He was seriously wounded in a shootout between his bodyguards and special forces. The military airlifted him to the capital, but he died en route.

In the shootout, according to the Ministry of Defense's statement, at least six of El Mencho's bodyguards were killed and three soldiers were wounded.

Mexico's Security Minister Omar García Harfuch told the press that since El Mencho's death, in addition to 25 National Guardsmen, more than 30 other people have been killed: 30 cartel members, a prison guard, and a state prosecutor's office employee.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the military for the operation to capture El Mencho and said that her main priority now is to restore peace and order in the country.

"In most parts of the country, everything is proceeding normally," Sheinbaum wrote on social network X. "Full coordination is maintained with the governments of all states; we must stay informed and remain calm."

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) emerged around 2010 in Jalisco state and gradually extended its influence across the country.

Upon learning of El Mencho's death, members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel began to cause unrest in many Mexican cities.

In some places, they blocked roads by scattering spikes and nails on the asphalt, which punctured car tires. In others, they seized cars and buses, set them on fire, and used them to block highways.

In addition, dozens of shops, offices, and bank branches were set on fire.

In many cities on Sunday, the streets became deserted: local authorities recommended people stay home.

President Sheinbaum stated that by Monday morning all roads had been unblocked.

El Mencho was also wanted by the United States: the State Department offered $15 million for information that would help in his capture.

Mexico's Ministry of Defense stated that the capture of El Mencho was carried out by the army with the support of the National Guard and the Air Force.

The Mexican Ministry of Defense noted that the data that contributed to the preparation of the operation was obtained from the United States.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt confirmed that the United States provided intelligence to Mexico. She added that the Donald Trump administration "expresses gratitude and appreciation to the Mexican military for their cooperation and the successful execution of this operation."

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