February 23, New Delhi – Smoke, flames, and fear gripped several cities in Mexico as cartel violence erupted.
In the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, vehicles were set ablaze and dark plumes rose into the sky as the nation came to a standstill due to the drug cartels.
The reason for the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as "El Mencho," was that he was critically injured in clashes with security forces.
Highways were blocked, businesses were torched, and panic spread as unrest reached areas near the Guadalajara International Airport, bringing parts of the nation to a standstill.
El Mencho led the feared Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a powerful transnational criminal network.
The cartel launched coordinated attacks across eight Mexican states, setting vehicles on fire, erecting roadblocks, and targeting security forces.
In response to the unrest, Mexican President Sheinbaum stated that there is absolute coordination with the governments of all states.
Many states across Mexico have urged residents to remain indoors, while the U.S. Embassy advised American citizens to seek safe shelter.
The U.S. State Department had earlier announced a $15 million reward and also confirmed that it provided intelligence assistance for the operation.
Major U.S. airlines have suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Air Canada has also halted operations in the region.
India has also issued an advisory urging its nationals in Mexico to remain indoors and monitor local media amid the volatile security situation.
Meanwhile, in a parallel anti-narcotics operation, the Mexican Navy seized over one metric ton of drugs in Baja California Sur.
The killing of Mexico's most feared drug lord marks not just a tactical victory in the war on drugs, but a pivotal moment in North America's battle against transnational crime and the deadly fentanyl trade.
Photo: File