Mexico has rushed extra troops into the western state of Jalisco after a bloody military operation killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the fugitive boss of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The operation set off days of arson, roadblocks and attacks that spread far beyond the cartel’s stronghold.
Officials said Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho”, was tracked to the mountain town of Tapalpa. They said intelligence services followed a romantic partner to a property linked to the cartel leader.
Special forces and the National Guard started a pre dawn raid with helicopter support. Authorities said Oseguera and two bodyguards were found wounded in nearby bushland and died during an airlift.
Authorities counted dozens of cartel linked roadblocks. They said hijacked vehicles were set alight to block highways. Fires were reported around Guadalajara and in coastal Puerto Vallarta, a major resort city. Smoke rose over suburbs and shopping precincts.
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Airlines cancelled flights into Jalisco, schools called off classes and residents were told to stay indoors as security forces tried to reopen key routes.
The death toll remains fluid. Mexican authorities said at least 62 people were killed in the raid and the violence that followed. They said the dead included 25 National Guard members and dozens of suspected cartel gunmen.
Associated Press reported the overall toll had climbed above 70, with civilians also caught up in the unrest. Officials said more than 70 people were arrested across several states.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said the situation was stabilising and roadblocks were being brought under control. She warned the government was watching for further retaliation or a scramble for leadership inside the cartel.
The defence ministry also identified a senior CJNG figure known as “El Tuli” as a key organiser of the reprisals. It said he was later killed in a clash with security forces.
Mexican officials said the United States provided intelligence support, but Sheinbaum said American forces did not take part directly. Oseguera had a US reward of up to $US15 million on his head.
The Trump administration moved last year to designate CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. US agencies describe CJNG as a major supplier of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into the United States.
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As the violence spread, authorities also warned of disinformation making fear worse. They pointed to exaggerated claims on social media about the scale of attacks and the status of airports and tourist centres.
Mexico’s security agencies said they were investigating accounts suspected of being linked to organised crime propaganda.
For travellers, DFAT’s Smartraveller updated its Mexico advice on Tuesday. It urged people to reconsider travel to Jalisco and warned of roadblocks and possible air travel disruption after serious security incidents in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
