Violence Erupts Across Mexico Following Death of Cartel Leader 'El Mencho'

Mexico City. Violence has erupted in various parts of the country following the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, alias ">">El Mencho," the leader of Mexico's powerful drug cartel, in clashes with soldiers.

According to Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense, Oseguera died while being transported to Mexico City after being wounded in a confrontation with soldiers in the municipality of Tapalpa, Jalisco state, on Sunday.

The United States had placed a $15 million bounty on his head. Following the security operation, gunmen set vehicles on fire and blocked highways in more than half a dozen states, including Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Nayarit, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas. Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, was reportedly deserted on Sunday night.

Videos circulating on social media show people fleeing in panic from Guadalajara International Airport, and plumes of smoke were seen rising over the sky of the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus urged local residents to stay home and suspended public transportation. Schools were also closed in some states on Monday. President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the security forces and appealed for calm.

The operation on Sunday was reportedly based on assistance information from U.S. agencies. It was reported that four gang members were killed, two were arrested, and a large quantity of weapons was seized during the operation.