Mexico has descended into chaos, prompting urgent travel warnings from the US and Canada, with airlines canceling flights. This escalation follows the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” in a military operation. Shortly after his demise, his Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) launched retaliatory attacks across multiple Mexican states, transforming cities into war zones, as reported by Reuters.
To grasp the aftermath of El Mencho’s death, it is crucial to understand the nature of cartels as paramilitary entities rather than mere gangs. The violence that ensued serves as a show of dominance and power, showcasing CJNG’s evolution under El Mencho’s leadership. The cartel, equipped with military-grade weapons and extensive networks, held sway over numerous Mexican states through fear and violence.
CJNG’s influence extends beyond Mexico, with drug trafficking operations reaching the United States, contributing to the fentanyl crisis. The Guardian reports that CJNG’s criminal networks span across Europe, Africa, and Asia, forming part of a global criminal network involving drug production, transportation, and distribution.
El Mencho, born in 1966 in Aguililla, Michoacán, started his criminal career in narcotics trafficking, eventually rising to lead CJNG and establishing it as a dominant criminal organization in Mexico. Under his command, CJNG expanded its presence and trafficking routes globally, handling drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine through sophisticated supply chains.
Despite facing continuous conflict with the Mexican government, El Mencho’s cartel stood resilient, engaging in violent confrontations with rivals and security forces while evading capture attempts. His elusive and untouchable persona came to an end when he was killed during a military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on February 22. The operation, with US intelligence support, targeted one of the world’s most wanted individuals, ending with El Mencho succumbing to his injuries.
With a $15 million bounty on his head, El Mencho was known as one of the most powerful and ruthless traffickers, leading a cartel that rivaled the infamous Sinaloa Cartel. His demise underscores the complexity of the drug wars as removing a leader does not dismantle the criminal empire, which continues to expand globally. The vacuum left by El Mencho’s death raises the question of who will step in to claim his criminal kingdom.
