The killing of one of the most influential leaders of the drug cartels in Mexico has brought shockwaves of violence and retaliation in various states across Mexico.
The police have reacted swiftly by deploying troops and closing schools in an effort to contain the repercussions of the death ofNemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The violence followed a major military operation in the western state of Jalisco targeting El Mencho, who was a long-time wanted criminal in both Mexico and the United States.
According to reports, the cartel leader was killed when Mexican special forces sent troops into his home state to capture him, which has so far resulted in a fear-gripping outbreak ofviolence across multiple regions in the country.
🚨🇺🇸🇲🇽 BREAKING: Sen. Bernie Moreno urges Mexico to seek U.S. military assistance as cartel violence spreads.New footage shows Mexican Army deploying into Jalisco-Guadalajara.Mexican National Guard now engaged in intense clashes with heavily armed, fast-moving CJNG elements.pic.twitter.com/oM1nFeTApO
Upon hearing about El Mencho's death, armed faction members launched organised attacks, burning vehicles and blocking roads in various states, paralysing cities and major transportation routes in Mexico and the Jalisco cartel.
Authorities claim that the operation marks a major setback to the organised crime networks, but it also highlights the dangers that, on most occasions, come after the high-profile crackdown of cartels in the long-running war against drug trafficking organisations in Mexico.
The events that followed the operation were fatal. The security minister of Mexico said dozens of individuals died in the confrontations and the violence that ensued thereafter.
Among others, those involved were the members of the National Guard of the country, highlighting the severity of the conflict between the state troops and cartel gunmen.
The officials, as reported by theAssociated Press, state that 25 National Guard members were killed during a series of attacks following the special forces mission regarding the location where the cartel leader was executed, which triggered fears that more violence was to come throughout the country.
Source: International Business Times UK
