According to reports from the Ministry of Defense, the operation was carefully planned and carried out by special forces, with support from the Air Force and National Guard. As a result of the clash in the Tapalpa area, located in the state of Jalisco, four members of CJNG were killed, and three soldiers were injured. It is important to note that the U.S. provided Mexico with the necessary information for the successful execution of the operation.
In response to the authorities' actions, the CJNG cartel set fire to vehicles, created roadblocks, and attacked security forces in eight different states. In connection with this, the U.S. State Department issued a warning to its citizens to stay home in the states of Jalisco and Tamaulipas, as well as in parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo urged the population to remain calm, noting that "normal life continues in most regions of the country."
El Mencho, who was 59 years old, previously worked as a police officer and led a drug cartel involved in the smuggling of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the U.S. A reward of $15 million (11.1 million pounds sterling) was offered for information about his whereabouts.
During the operation, a large number of armored vehicles and weapons, including rocket launchers, were also seized.
On social media, witnesses shared videos showing plumes of smoke rising over various cities, including Guadalajara, one of the cities where the FIFA World Cup will soon take place.
In the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta, thousands of tourists were likely trapped due to the unrest.
Throughout Sunday, reports emerged of armed individuals on the streets of Jalisco and other regions.
Governor of Jalisco Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to take precautions and stay home due to the red alert level that had been declared.
He also reported the suspension of public transport in the region.
American airlines, such as United Airlines and American Airlines, as well as Air Canada, canceled their flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
Christopher Landau, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico, described El Mencho as "one of the most ruthless drug lords" on his social media.
He added that El Mencho's death is a "significant event not only for Mexico and the U.S. but for all of Latin America and the world."
This event represents a success for the Mexican administration in the fight against drug cartels.
Moreover, the elimination of El Mencho could improve relations with the U.S. president, who had previously threatened to act against cartels on Mexican territory.
In January 2022, Trump stated that after striking maritime transports, "now we will start strikes on land," adding that "the cartels control Mexico."
However, President Sheinbaum noted that the deployment of American troops on the southern border is "not being considered."
Nevertheless, if law enforcement agencies fail to quickly regain control, it could undermine the success of the Mexican administration, as the cartel may respond with violence.
The Jalisco cartel became known for numerous attacks on security forces and government institutions.
Among their crimes are shooting down an army helicopter with a rocket grenade and killing public officials; there have been cases where victims' bodies were hung from bridges to intimidate rivals.
CJNG is the largest drug cartel in Mexico.
The CJNG cartel, which emerged in 2010 in the state of Jalisco, is currently active throughout Mexico.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), CJNG is a serious competitor to the Sinaloa cartel, which has influence in all 50 states of America.
CJNG is also a major supplier of drugs to the U.S., earning billions from fentanyl production.
Fentanyl entering the U.S. through Mexico.
According to data published by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), approximately 9,200 pounds (4,182 kg) of fentanyl were seized in the U.S. since October 2024.
Of this amount, 96% was intercepted at the southwestern border with Mexico. Less than 1% was seized at the border with Canada, and the remainder arrived by sea or through other U.S. border crossings.
