The Mexican government said on Sunday it had killed the country’s most wanted cartel leader, triggering a wave of violent reprisals across parts of the country as cartel operatives sought to demonstrate their power.
The violence was reported in the western state of Jalisco following a federal operation that resulted in the death of the drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho."
Video footage circulating on social media showed cars and buildings set ablaze in multiple locations, with thick smoke rising over city streets as security forces and emergency services responded to widespread unrest.
Armed groups blocked roads and torched supermarkets, banks and vehicles across several states, in what officials described as one of the most extensive outbreaks of cartel-related violence in recent years.
Officials in the western Mexican state of Jalisco said at least 20 branches of a state-run bank were burned or damaged, while armed groups set vehicles on fire to block more than 20 roads.
Public transportation was suspended in some areas, and hotels were advised to instruct guests to remain indoors, including in the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta.
Much of the violence was concentrated in Guadalajara, the state capital and a metropolitan hub of about 1.4 million people and a host city for this year’s World Cup.
Panic was reported at Guadalajara International Airport, where videos showed staff and travelers fleeing the terminal, although airport authorities and the federal government said operations continued normally and there was no threat to passengers.
Authorities said concerts and soccer matches were canceled, flights were diverted, and at least one port halted operations. The unrest also disrupted the week ahead, with some states canceling classes and airlines and bus operators suspending routes, as cited by the New York Times.
Authorities said the unrest reflects the influence and reach of organized crime groups, warning residents to avoid affected areas as security operations continued, as cited by the New York Times.
Oseguera was injured during the operation in the town of Tapalpa and died while being transported to Mexico City for medical treatment. At least nine other cartel members were killed in the operation.
Past arrests or killings of major cartel figures have often triggered violent reprisals and power struggles among rival factions, raising concerns that the latest escalation could lead to prolonged instability.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) operates in at least 21 of Mexico’s 32 states and is active across most of the United States, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, with its reach extending globally.
The death of its leader, Nemesio Oseguera, could have repercussions beyond Mexico, given the cartel’s international footprint.
Under Oseguera’s leadership, the CJNG became one of Mexico’s most powerful trafficking organizations, waging battles with rival groups while smuggling drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine and, more recently, fentanyl into the United States.
His death could ease tensions with Washington, where US President Donald Trump has urged Mexico to intensify its crackdown on cartels and has threatened military action if progress is not made.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected any US strikes as a violation of Mexico’s sovereignty, while expanding cooperation with US security agencies, including intelligence sharing.