The Mexican Army killed the most powerful and long-running drug lord ‘El Mencho’ in a military operation. He was the founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which was placed on the top of the most wanted lists of both the US and Mexico. On Sunday, as part of a major military operation, El Mencho was killed in an encounter that lasted for hours in Tapalpa area. Following the death of El Mencho, violence erupted throughout Mexico. Miscreants have set fire to many parts of the city. Considering the situation, the Indian Embassy has also issued an advisory for its citizens.
Mexico’s Defense Ministry confirmed the operation and said that special military forces conducted an operation in the city of Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco, in which ‘El Mencho’ was arrested in an injured condition. He was being flown to Mexico City for medical attention, but died en route. At least four members of CJNG have also been killed on the spot in this operation.
Violence erupts in Mexico after the death of ‘El Mencho’
As soon as the news of ‘El Mencho’s’ death spread, violence broke out across the country. CJNG members started retaliating. Burning is being done on the streets in Jalisco, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Michoacan, Guerrero and other states. Dozens of vehicles and shops have also been burnt. Incidents of firing were reported at the Cancún International Airport, where people were seen running to save their lives. Flights were canceled in many areas. The army has taken control of the cities, but the situation remains tense. The Government of India has also issued an advisory for its citizens.
Indian Embassy issued advisory
The Indian Embassy in Mexico tweeted, “Love to all Indian nationals in Mexico: Due to security operations and associated road closures and ongoing criminal activity, Indian nationals residing in areas of Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities), Michoacán State, Guerrero State and Nuevo León State should remain quarantined until further notice. Do: Avoid areas with law enforcement activity and minimize non-essential movements outside your shelter.
What did the Mexican President say?
America had placed a reward of 15 million dollars on ‘El Mencho’. After his death, there is a fear of a power struggle in the cartel, which may further increase the violence. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has praised the army and intelligence agency on the success of this operation. He said that the situation is under control in most areas. However, he also warned that gangs could become more violent by splitting into smaller groups after big criminals are killed. For the last one year, Donald Trump had been pressurizing Mexico to stop drug smuggling. In such a situation, the death of El Mencho is being considered a big success, but the violence that followed has also made it clear that the challenge is not over yet.