Mexico at War?! Thousands of Troops Deployed After Drug Lord's Death!

Mexico is on edge. Following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious drug lord known as "El Mencho," violence has erupted across the country. I’m seeing reports suggesting thousands of soldiers have been deployed in an attempt to quell the chaos, but whether it’s enough remains to be seen.

Mexico at War?! Thousands of Troops Deployed After...

The unrest began immediately after Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died in custody. This cartel, let’s be clear, is one of the most brutal and powerful criminal organizations operating in Mexico. His death is like throwing gasoline on a fire that's been simmering for years.

According to official sources, at least 20 states are experiencing fallout. The violence has been relentless. Mexico's security minister has confirmed that a shocking number – at least 25 – of National Guard members have already been killed in Jalisco alone. The Defense Secretary is reporting that El Mencho was tracked down during a meeting with a romantic partner – adding an almost unbelievable detail to this whole grim affair.

Details surrounding El Mencho's capture and death are still emerging, but apparently he sustained serious injuries during a firefight with military commandos. He died while being transported to Mexico City. The Defense Ministry also reports that six of his security guards were killed, and three Mexican military personnel were injured. It was a messy, bloody operation, that's for sure. And unfortunately, it appears the bloodshed didn't end there.

Beyond the immediate confrontation, Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch, citing AFP, stated that the unrest has claimed the lives of a prison guard, a member of the state prosecutor's office, and approximately 30 members of El Mencho's cartel. It’s a terrifying spiral, and innocent people are getting caught in the crossfire. These numbers are more than statistics; they are people.

President Claudia Sheinbaum is trying to project calm, praising the army's operation and assuring the public that her priority is restoring peace. She stated, "There is calm, there is government, there are armed forces, and there is a lot of coordination." While I understand the need for reassurance, I’m skeptical. The reports coming out of the affected areas paint a much different picture.

As news of El Mencho's death rippled through the CJNG's ranks, cartel members retaliated swiftly. Reports say they launched attacks in towns and cities where they have a strong presence. They've blocked roads with spikes, nails, and even torched buses and vehicles. While officials claim the roadblocks have been cleared, the damage is extensive. Dozens of banks and businesses have been set on fire. It's pure chaos.

Streets are deserted. Local authorities are urging people to stay indoors. BBC Verify has even authenticated videos of clashes between cartel members and the National Guard. One video shows an armed individual firing at cars, and other images show bodies near a vehicle. The National Guard hasn’t released detailed information about the incident, and honestly, I'm not sure they even have a full grasp of what's happening.

The US State Department had offered a significant reward for information leading to El Mencho's capture, a testament to his reach and influence. While the Mexican Ministry of Defence confirms that the raid was carried out by Mexican forces, with some "complementary information" from the US, they’re adamant that no US forces were directly involved. This is obviously a sensitive point, and Mexico wants to maintain control over its own security operations. Whether this ultimately brings lasting peace remains, sadly, to be seen.