Mexico was hit by a surge of coordinated cartel violence on Sunday after the Mexican army killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho,' allegedly the most powerful drug cartel leader in the country and among the United States' most sought-after fugitives.
Oseguera Cervantes, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during an army operation in Jalisco state, marking the biggest blow against organised crime since the recapture of Sinaloa cartel boss JoaquÃn 'El Chapo' Guzmán a decade ago. Here's all you need to know what's happening in Mexico after the death of 'El Mencho'.
Violence In Mexico After Drug Lord Killed: The Aftermath
- Within hours of the operation, CJNG gunmen unleashed chaos across the country, blocking highways with burning vehicles in nearly a dozen states and prompting lockdowns in Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city.
- Schools across several states announced closures for Monday, while security forces nationwide were placed on high alert.
- Guatemala reinforced its border security in anticipation of spillover violence.
- With Oseguera's killing taking place in a town close to the World Cup host city of Guadalajara, four high-level soccer matches were postponed. Two top-tier games — Queretaro vs. Juarez FC in the men's tournament and Chivas vs. America in the women's league — were postponed and two in the second division were called off.
- Mexico's national team has a friendly against Iceland scheduled for Wednesday at the Corregidora stadium in Queretaro. The Mexican soccer federation hasn't made any public moves to postpone it.
India Issues Advisory
The Indian Embassy in Mexico has issued an advisory stating,"Dear Indian nationals in Mexico: There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity. Indian nationals in Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State should shelter in place until further notice."
Actions to Take:
- Avoid areas around law enforcement activity.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Seek shelter and minimise unnecessary movements outside your shelter.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.
- Avoid crowds.
- Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.
The Embassy has advised Indians nationals in Mexico to contact the Embassy of India at +52 55 4847 7539 for assistance.
For now, the nation remains on edge: streets littered with burnt vehicles, cities bracing for further retaliation, and millions watching to see whether the fall of El Mencho marks a turning point or the beginning of a more turbulent era.
Also Read: Mexican Army Kills Top Drug Kingpin 'El Mencho' And Several Others
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