Coordinated retaliatory attacks in Mexico paralyse parts of Jalisco after the military killing of alleged CJNG leader, raising security concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup
BY FRANCESCA RAPISARDA
Mexico is facing a new wave of cartel violence following the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the long-time head of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), one of the country’s most powerful criminal organisations.
Federal authorities confirmed that Oseguera Cervantes was killed during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco, after intelligence-led forces located him at a rural property. The operation followed years of failed attempts to capture the cartel leader, who was subject to a multimillion-dollar reward offered by U.S. authorities.
Within hours of the announcement, coordinated violence broke out across several municipalities in Jalisco and neighbouring states. Armed groups set vehicles alight, blocked major highways and clashed with security forces. News agencies reported gunfire in parts of Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest metropolitan area, prompting residents to remain indoors as authorities urged the public to avoid affected zones.
Security forces were deployed to regain control of key transport routes and urban centres. Casualty figures remain fluid, but preliminary reports indicate multiple deaths, including suspected cartel members and members of the National Guard.
The escalation has triggered broader concerns about stability in western Mexico. Public transport services were temporarily suspended in some areas, and businesses closed as a precaution. International observers and foreign governments have issued updated travel advisories for parts of Jalisco, citing the security situation.
The violence has also cast a shadow over preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for which Guadalajara is a designated host city. While federal officials insist that security plans remain intact, analysts warn that leadership vacuums within criminal organisations can provoke internal power struggles or territorial disputes, increasing short-term instability.
The CJNG has expanded rapidly over the past decade, establishing a presence in multiple Mexican states and becoming a dominant force in trafficking synthetic drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. Unlike some older cartels, the group built a reputation for aggressive territorial expansion and confrontation with state forces.
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration framed the operation as a significant blow against organised crime, reiterating its commitment to restoring security. However, security analysts note that previous high-profile killings or arrests of cartel leaders have often been followed by fragmentation and renewed violence rather than lasting calm.
As federal forces continue patrols and dismantle roadblocks, the immediate priority remains stabilising affected communities.
Authorities have not yet released further operational details, and investigations into the clashes remain ongoing.
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