The Mexican government announced that “El Mencho,” one of the most wanted criminals in the country and the United States, was killed during a capture operation carried out in Tapalpa, with the involvement of army and National Guard forces supported by intelligence information shared by American agencies Sure, please provide the text in Portuguese that you would like translated to English.
In the operation, which aimed to capture the leader of the CJNG, several members of the cartel and federal forces were injured or killed, while heavy weapons and armored vehicles were seized. “El Mencho” was wounded during the confrontation and later died during transport to Mexico City.
The leader of the CJNG had a long criminal career, with a history of drug trafficking, including fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines, and was responsible for acts of extreme violence, such as drone attacks and direct confrontations with authorities. The United States offered a reward of up to 15 million dollars for his capture and classified the cartel as a terrorist organization.
Violent reactions in the streets
Foto: Ulises Ruiz/AFP
The death of “El Mencho” prompted immediate and violent reactions from members of the CJNG and supporters in at least eight Mexican states, including Jalisco, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, and Guanajuato.
As security forces clashed with armed men in the streets, while cartels retaliated with roadblocks using burning vehicles, fires at stores and buses, and other forms of violent protest. In tourist areas such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, flights were canceled and schools closed for safety reasons, and authorities even issued recommendations for residents and visitors to stay home.
In response, embassies from several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union, issued alerts to their citizens in Mexico, advising them to avoid travel and to remain cautious in affected areas.
Context of violence and the cartel
The CJNG, under the leadership of “El Mencho,” has over the years become one of the most influential and violent criminal organizations in Mexico, rivaling other major cartels such as that of Sinaloa. The group has expanded its operations across Mexican territory and internationally, not only engaging in drug trafficking but also in extortion, kidnappings, and other serious crimes.
Experts warn that, despite the death of the leader, the cartel’s structure may continue to operate, as there is no clear successor with the same authority. At the same time, the violence unleashed after his death demonstrates how the removal of a cartel chief can generate a power vacuum and multiply conflicts with security forces.
