Tensions rise in that country! The country's largest cartel leader killed: It has turned into a battlefield

Nemesio Oseguera, the leader of one of Mexico's largest criminal organizations, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), known as El Mencho, has been killed in a military operation. Following El Mencho's death, cartel members launched large-scale violent incidents and coordinated attacks across Mexico. Actions by cartel members in many locations, from airports to city centers, led to clashes with security forces.

CARTEL MEMBERS SET NUMEROUS VEHICLES ON FIRE

Following El Mencho's death, numerous vehicles were set on fire in Jalisco and other states. These actions drew a response from security forces, and clashes with cartel members began. The raid on Guadalajara International Airport was also part of the violent incidents. Footage of gunfire erupting at the airport and people fleeing in panic has circulated on social media.

GOVERNOR CALLS ON PUBLIC TO STAY AT HOME

Jalisco State Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro called on the public to stay at home until the situation is brought under control and announced that public transport services have been suspended. Additionally, warnings were issued against traveling on state roads due to the violent incidents.

STATEMENT FROM THE EMBASSY

Meanwhile, in a statement made on the official social media account of the Turkish Embassy in Mexico, it was stated that the developments in six states are being closely monitored.

While citizens were warned to be careful, it was reported that they could be contacted via the shared phone number.

HE WAS ONE OF THE US'S MOST WANTED NAMES

56-year-old Oseguera Cervantes, known by the nickname “El Mencho,” was considered the founder and top leader of the CJNG. The organization is considered one of the most violent and widespread criminal structures in Mexico.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) placed Oseguera Cervantes at the top of its most wanted fugitives list in 2020 and announced a 15 million dollar reward for information leading to his capture.

The US administration designated the CJNG as a terrorist organization last year, a decision that marked a new era in investigation processes against cartels.

Oseguera Cervantes, who is stated to have been born in the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán state, migrated to the US in the 1980s. He was deported after being detained for various crimes in California.

After returning to Mexico, he served in the municipal police force for a while, but soon turned to the criminal world by establishing connections with drug cartels.

After gaining power within the Los Valencia Cartel, he laid the foundations of the CJNG in the early 2010s together with his brother-in-law Abigael González Valencia.

RAPID GROWTH OF THE CJNG

In a short time, the CJNG grew from a local structure in Jalisco and Colima into an organization influential in more than half of Mexico.

According to experts, the weakening of rival cartels, the use of expert personnel in synthetic drug production, and high capacity for violence were decisive in the organization's growth.

While the cartel plays an active role in the illegal amphetamine market in the US and Europe, it has also established connections in Asia.

It is also stated that the organization carries out money laundering activities in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and construction; and controls the shipment of chemical substances through ports.

Since 2022, various claims have been made regarding Oseguera Cervantes' health status, and although news of his death has been published from time to time, official authorities have not confirmed this information. Some experts suggested that the operational management of the cartel had passed to auxiliary staff in recent years.

His son, Rubén Oseguera González, known as the organization's second-in-command, was extradited to the US in 2020. His wife, Rosalinda González Valencia, was detained in 2021 and was released early last February after being convicted on charges related to organized crime.

Here are the first images from Mexico where the clashes are taking place:

CÜNEYT ÖZDEMİR STRANDED IN HOTEL

Journalist Cüneyt Özdemir, who is in Mexico, announced that he could not leave his hotel for security reasons after the events broke out. In the footage shared on social media, it is seen that cartel members are making threats on the streets and frightening the local people.

The violent incidents have increased security risks in tourist areas and airports. Many tourists have been left stranded where they are.