‘El Mencho’ killing sparks ‘overwhelming fear’ as violence erupts in Mexico

As news of the killing spread, a wave of violence swept across the country. And some fear worse could follow.

The killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel, also known as “El Mencho”, who had long been on the run from the authorities, led to a wave of violence across the country, plunging some parts into a state of chaos.

As the leader of one of Mexico’s most rapidly expanding criminal networks, the 59-year-old was notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States, while orchestrating brazen attacks against government officials.

That defiance reached a breaking point on Sunday during a high-stakes military operation in the town of Tapalpa.

El Mencho was killed in a shootout in his home state of Jalisco as the Mexican military moved in to apprehend him. The retaliation was instantaneous. As news of the operation spread, a coordinated wave of violence exploded through the country, reaching at least 20 of Mexico’s 32 states.

Across the republic, suspected members of organised groups torched buses and businesses, and erected fiery roadblocks. For those caught in the crossfire, the speed of the chaos was a reminder of the cartels’ reach.