On Feb. 22, Mexico’s No. 1 fugitive was killed by a Mexican military operation.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” was the notorious leader of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) – one of the largest drug cartels in the world. El Mencho was Mexico’s most wanted man, with a $15 million bounty on his head.
The operation that led to his death was completed by Mexican special forces, who received help from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). They were able to meticulously track him down through one of his romantic partners.
While the idea of sizzling down cartels in Mexico is not a bad one, El Mencho’s death has only brought more violence to Mexico. Killing him was not a well-thought out idea. His death has brought more harm than good and is causing the country as a whole to suffer.
Retaliation attacks and blockades have occurred since his death. Random civilians were shot at and cars were set on fire.
Members of CJNG have caused civil unrest because they are unhappy and want revenge. It even got to the point where, from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23, flights going to Puerta Vallarta and Guadalajara were cancelled.
Furthermore, it is evident that El Mencho’s death was not the end of the cartel. There will be a new successor, and he will continue their operations. All his death accomplished was instability in the group, and even in the state.
The instability has led to other cartels and enemies of the group coming out of the woodwork to try and take advantage of the situation and take control of the state of Jalisco if a successor is not chosen quickly. If a successor is chosen, there is no telling how he will differ from El Mencho.
Carlos Pérez Ricart, who is a part of a Mexican research group and an expert at the Center for Economic Research and Teaching, stated that “each generation of cartel members tends to be more violent than its predecessors, as a way to assert authority.”
If there is one thing we know about cartels and their rivals, it is that they are extremely violent.
However, with all these hot takes of the issue in the news, there is something important to take note of. This incident does not define Mexico as a whole. Cartel violence is not what defines the beautiful country of Mexico.
Stabilization will dawn soon in the country. For those who are planning on traveling there soon for spring break that are worried, it is important to know that “no travel to Mexico is ever risk free.”
