Violent clashes spread across western Mexico after security forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” during a military operation in Jalisco state.

Mexican authorities said the operation targeted the head of a major criminal network linked to drug trafficking and other crimes. Officials stated that Oseguera Cervantes was wounded during a raid in the town of Tapalpa and later died while being transported to Mexico City.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed the death in a statement posted on social media platform X.

U.S. Officials Praise Operation

International security officials reacted positively to the killing of the cartel leader.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the outcome as an important step in fighting organized crime.

“This is a great development for Mexico, the U.S., Latin America, and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys,” Landau said on X, calling the cartel leader “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.”

U.S. defense sources said American forces were not directly involved in combat operations but supported the mission through intelligence sharing. The cooperation was conducted through joint counter-cartel programs between U.S. and Mexican security agencies.

The White House also said on social media that the United States provided intelligence assistance for the operation.

Fighting Between Troops and Armed Suspects

Security forces faced armed resistance during the raid. Authorities said four people were killed at the location, while three others, including the cartel leader, were wounded and later died.

Mexican officials confirmed the arrest of two additional suspects. Military units also seized armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other weapons.

Three members of the armed forces were injured and received medical treatment.

Security analyst Mike Vigil, a former DEA international operations chief, described the raid as one of the most significant actions in global anti-trafficking enforcement.

He compared Oseguera Cervantes to other major cartel figures, saying he was “almost at the same level as (Joaquin) ‘El Chapo’ Guzman and (Ismael) ‘El Mayo’ Zambada.”

Roadblocks and Burning Vehicles Spread Fear

After the operation, suspected cartel members launched coordinated roadblocks by burning vehicles across several Mexican states.

Authorities reported blockades in Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima, Tamaulipas, and Guanajuato. Such tactics are often used by criminal groups to slow military movement and demonstrate influence.

Social media videos showed heavy smoke over Puerto Vallarta and people running inside airport terminals in panic.

Local reports also described road closures near Guadalajara airport, one of the country’s busiest transportation hubs.

In Reynosa, a border city near the United States, access roads to the airport were reportedly blocked, disrupting travel.

Officials said international border bridges near the United States remained open, though some nearby streets were restricted.

Emergency Measures and Transport Disruptions

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro activated a “code red” emergency security protocol after the clashes.

Public transportation services were suspended across the state.

Authorities urged residents to remain indoors until the security situation improves.

Mexico’s national security agency reported 252 roadblocks nationwide, including 65 in Jalisco. By late evening, 23 blockades were still not cleared.

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo acknowledged the unrest but said most of the country continued normal activities.

“In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality,” she said on social media.

U.S. Travel Advisory and Flight Cancellations

The U.S. State Department issued a security advisory urging American citizens in several Mexican states, including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León, to shelter in place.

Transportation services were affected. Taxi and rideshare operations were suspended in Puerto Vallarta.

• Several airlines adjusted schedules due to the security situation.
• Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta because of ongoing safety risks.
• Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines canceled or modified flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
• Delta Airlines said passenger and crew safety remained the top priority while monitoring regional developments.

Background: Cartel Influence

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is considered one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, expanding rapidly since its formation around 2007.

The group is known for aggressive attacks on security forces, including helicopter assaults and the use of explosive drones.

U.S. authorities have linked the organization to fentanyl trafficking, extortion, migrant smuggling, fuel theft, and weapons trade.

In 2025, the U.S. government designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.