Violence broke out in parts of Mexico just hours after the reported killing of notorious drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as El Mencho, during a military raid on Sunday, according to multiple reports by Reuters.
Reuters says gunmen believed to be loyal to the slain leader quickly reacted by blocking major highways across several states. They also set vehicles and some businesses on fire, creating panic in many communities. In some towns, both residents and tourists were advised to remain indoors for safety, while truck drivers were told to avoid dangerous routes or return to their depots until the situation calmed, Reuters reported.
Several airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines and Aeromexico, cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta, a popular beach resort. Reuters says shocked tourists in the area filmed thick smoke rising into the sky as fires burned nearby.
The violence spread across more than six states, a situation many Mexicans sadly recognize after nearly two decades of government battles against powerful drug cartels, Reuters explains. These conflicts have repeatedly affected daily life, businesses, and travel in different parts of the country.
A member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) told Reuters that the attacks were carried out as revenge for their leader’s death. The source also warned that more violence could follow as rival groups try to take control of the cartel’s operations.
Reuters reports that in Jalisco, gunmen attacked a National Guard base, forcing authorities to suspend public transport and advise hotel guests to remain inside. Security footage shared with Reuters showed military vehicles moving through neighborhoods, while roadblocks shut down busy highways like the Mexico–Puebla route. In Colima and Aguascalientes, armed men reportedly blocked roads using trucks.
A trucking association said it was “deeply worried” about the highway violence and urged drivers to stay in safe areas until order was restored, Reuters added.
Authorities in Guanajuato reported dozens of incidents in multiple towns, though officials later said the situation was brought under control by evening. Residents in Guadalajara shared messages warning friends and family to stay home, showing how fear spread quickly through communities, Reuters noted.
So far, Reuters says authorities have not reported civilian deaths linked to the unrest, though some cartel members and security personnel were killed during the original military operation.
Reuters also points out that this pattern is not new. Previous arrests or killings of major cartel figures — such as Ovidio Guzman and Ismael Zambada — triggered similar waves of retaliation and internal power struggles within criminal groups.
Reacting to the events, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed concern, saying it was not surprising that criminal groups would respond violently, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, acknowledged the incidents but reassured the public that most parts of the country were continuing normal activities, according to Reuters.
From a broader view, Reuters’ reporting shows how the death of a cartel leader does not always bring immediate peace. Instead, it can create a dangerous power vacuum, where loyal fighters seek revenge and rival factions battle to control lucrative drug routes. This cycle explains why security operations, even when successful, can sometimes lead to short-term instability before any long-term improvement is felt.
Reuters’ coverage highlights the difficult balance authorities face: taking down powerful criminal figures while trying to prevent the violent backlash that often follows.
For ordinary citizens and businesses, these sudden eruptions of violence are reminders that cartel influence can still disrupt travel, tourism, and everyday life with little warning.
Reuters continues to monitor the situation as Mexico works to contain the unrest and prevent further escalation.
Credit: Reuters