Riots in Mexico after cartel leader's death

Nelly Kronstrand, 

Sofia Hedberg

Updated 21.54 | Published 17.51

"El Mencho", leader of the "Jalisco Nueva Generación" cartel, has been killed by the Mexican army.

Widespread riots are now taking place in the state in an attempt to stop the military operations.

Armed drug cartels have set up roadblocks on several highways and burned cars, trucks and public transport vehicles, writes Tribuna de la Bahia.

"El Mencho", whose real name is Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, was killed during a military operation in western Jalisco, an official told the Reuters news agency.

For several years he has been one of the most wanted cartel leaders in the world.

 

US State Department's wanted list for "El Mencho" Photo: US State Department

Urging people to stay indoors

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro writes on X that he has called the Security Council and activated code red.

He urges the public to stay home until the situation is under control.

"The roadblocks have spread to territorial border areas, even to other neighboring states. We are coordinating with the federation and other state governments to protect the population."

 

A bus that has been set on fire by cartel members. Photo: Ulises Ruiz / AFP

The US embassy is also urging people to seek shelter and avoid the affected areas.

Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast is said to be among the cities that have been hardest hit by the riots. Several flights to the city have been canceled due to the current security situation.

15 million dollars in reward

The US State Department had promised a reward of up to 15 million dollars for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho, writes Reuters.

In February, the US classified the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.

On Sunday evening, Aftonbladet contacted the Swedish Foreign Ministry due to the serious situation in Jalisco.

At present, there is no issued call or travel advice for Swedish citizens who are in the state, says a press spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who wishes to remain anonymous.

 

”El Mencho”, whose real name was Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes Photo: US State Department

 

Cars are burned during riots in Guadalajara Photo: Alejandra Leyva / AP