February 24, New Delhi — Mexican authorities deployed an additional 2,000 troops to the western state of Jalisco on Monday, following violence in the wake of the death of Mexico's most-wanted cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera, also known as "El Mencho."
Mexico has deployed 10,000 troops since Sunday to quell clashes sparked by the killing of the drug lord, which has claimed dozens of lives. Oseguera had a $15 million US bounty on his head.
News of his death triggered a wave of violence, with cartel members blocking roads in 20 states and setting fire to vehicles and businesses. At least 25 members of the National Guard were killed in subsequent clashes. In Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, schools remained closed and most public transportation was suspended.
While U.S. President Donald Trump had yet to publicly comment on Oseguera's death, he posted briefly on his Truth Social platform: "Mexico must step up its efforts against cartels and drugs!"
In response to the violence and clashes in Mexico, the United States, Canada, and India have issued "shelter in place" warnings for their citizens in Mexico. Several airlines in the US and Canada have also cancelled their flights to Mexico, particularly to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.