At least 74 people have died in Mexico in the past few days in a violent wave linked to the government’s operation that killed one of the country’s most powerful drug cartel leaders, authorities said Tuesday.
The deaths include members of Mexico’s National Guard and cartel fighters, officials said, as clashes erupted across multiple states after security forces moved against Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The violence began after Mexican forces attempted to arrest El Mencho in the western state of Jalisco.
He was wounded in a shootout and later died while being transported for medical treatment, senior government officials confirmed.
Following his death, cartel members are believed to have launched coordinated reprisals, including:
Setting vehicles and buses on fire, Blocking roads and highways, Attacking security forces and infrastructure across several states, including Jalisco, Michoacán and others.
Among the dead are roughly two dozen National Guard members who were killed in separate attacks on security forces, according to Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection.
Mexican authorities responded by deploying additional security units and establishing a national command center to try to restore order.
President Claudia Sheinbaum and senior officials said they were committed to regaining control and reducing cartel influence, even as limited schools and businesses saw disruptions.
Despite the violence, officials have worked to clear many of the roadblocks and reported that the situation was beginning to stabilize by Monday night.
The unrest has disrupted daily life in some regions.
Major roads were blocked, and fires set by armed groups forced closures of transport routes and interference with normal activities in cities such as Guadalajara and Zapopan.
Concerns have also been raised about the impact on tourism, with warnings issued by foreign governments urging travellers to exercise caution and stay aware of the security situation in affected areas.
Mexico’s fight with powerful drug trafficking organisations like the CJNG has long led to spikes in violence.
Cartels often engage in deadly turf battles with rival groups and the state, particularly in regions where gangs control smuggling routes or attempt to exert influence over local communities.
The killing of El Mencho, who had been a top target for Mexican and U.S. authorities for years, represents a major moment in that struggle, but also highlights the risks of violent retaliation when such leaders are taken down.
