In Mexico, at least 25 members of the National Guard military police were killed in retaliatory violence in the state of Jalisco after the killing of a drug lord. Unrest has erupted in at least 20 states since Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes – better known as “El Mencho” – died in custody yesterday shortly after being captured by Mexican special forces.
The U.S. had offered a 15 million dollar reward for information leading to his arrest. He died in a helicopter after being injured in a military operation by Mexican special forces in a wooded area outside the town of Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco.
According to Mexico’s Defence Ministry Mexico has sent 2,500 soldiers to the west of the country to bolster security. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is one of the most feared criminal organisations in Mexico and its leader was Mexico’s most wanted man before his death yesterday.
Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch told reporters at the press conference that 30 cartel members were killed in these attacks, as well as one bystander. At least 70 people were arrested in seven states.