In response to the violent aftermath of a prominent drug lord’s death, Mexico has heightened its security measures, deploying approximately 10,000 soldiers across 20 of its 32 states. This operation follows the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military raid located about 130 kilometers from Guadalajara on Sunday. The deployment is particularly concentrated in Jalisco, where around 2,000 troops have been dispatched to stabilize the situation.

Closure of Schools Amid Rising Tensions

As violence escalates, schools in Guadalajara and various cities throughout the country were closed on Monday. While public transport services have partially resumed, many buses remain empty as residents cautiously navigate a slow return to everyday activities. The streets remain significantly quieter, with many businesses shuttered in the wake of unrest.

Casualties and Reprisals Following the Operation

Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch reported that at least 74 individuals lost their lives, including 25 National Guard personnel, during both the raid that led to Oseguera’s death and the ensuing retaliatory violence. Oseguera, 59, was one of the most sought-after criminals in Mexico and the United States, viewed as a key figure in the violent legacy of Mexican drug trafficking.

The Impact of El Mencho’s Death on Crime Operations

Considered the last of the conventional drug lords akin to the imprisoned Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, Oseguera co-founded CJNG in 2009, transforming it into one of Mexico’s most menacing criminal organizations. Following his death, reports emerged of suspected CJNG members setting vehicles ablaze and obstructing major roads, in addition to attacks on banks and gas stations across several states.

Cautious Optimism Amidst Violence

Despite the turmoil, President Claudia Sheinbaum declared the nation to be returning to a state of calm. “Today, Mexico is peaceful. We woke up without any roadblocks, and normalcy has been largely restored,” she stated. This claim comes even as visuals from around the country show communities recovering from the disturbances initiated by the CJNG.

International Cooperation in the Operation

In a related development, the White House acknowledged the provision of intelligence assistance during the operation aimed at capturing Oseguera. U.S. officials commended Mexico’s military for the successful elimination of a key figure in the drug trafficking network. President Sheinbaum clarified that while the U.S. provided information, the operation itself was strictly conducted by Mexican forces.

Future Concerns for CJNG and Potential Power Vacuums

Experts have raised alarms that the vacuum left by Oseguera’s absence may instigate fierce competition among rival factions within the CJNG. The lack of a clear successor could exacerbate violence as various groups vie for control, posing challenges for law enforcement as they strive to maintain stability in the region.

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