Cartel leader killed, country on alert

Mexico is experiencing turbulent hours. The reason is the killing of "El Mencho," the country's most wanted criminal and cartel leader, in a US-backed operation by the Mexican military. Following the confirmation of the news by official sources, violent clashes began between cartel members and security forces.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, whose real name is "El Mencho," was the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), considered one of Mexico's most formidable criminal organizations. The drug kingpin managed a vast criminal enterprise responsible for trafficking large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States. It was reported that Cervantes, a 60-year-old former police officer, was wounded during the operation in Jalisco in the western part of the country and passed away while being transported to Mexico City.

Following the operation, violence that began specifically in Jalisco quickly spread to neighboring states. It was reported that groups linked to the cartel blocked numerous roads and set fire to many vehicles and some businesses. Images reflected on social media drew attention to rising smoke and burning vehicles in different states. The Jalisco state government declared a "red alert" due to the increased security risk. While public transportation services were temporarily suspended, the public was called upon not to leave their homes. Federal and local authorities established a joint crisis task force. Since the morning hours, many highways and urban arteries have been closed to transportation.

Call for calmness from Sheinbaum

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated in a post on the social media platform X that daily life continues in most of the country and that they are in full coordination with state governments. Sheinbaum emphasized, “We must remain informed and maintain our calm,” while thanking the security forces and stressing that the government continues its work to ensure peace and public order.

Statement from the USA

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt also announced in a statement regarding the operation that the US provided intelligence support to the Mexican government. Leavitt stated that El Mencho was a “high-level target” for both countries, particularly due to fentanyl trafficking.

Recalling that US President Donald Trump had previously defined the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization, Leavitt noted that the operation was the result of security cooperation between the two countries.

In addition to US-based airlines United Airlines and American Airlines, Air Canada also canceled its flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Furthermore, the US State Department issued a stay-at-home warning for US citizens in the states of Jalisco and Tamaulipas, as well as parts of Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon.

Announcement from the Turkish Embassy in Mexico

In a post shared by the Embassy on the social media platform of the US-based company X, it was stated that the developments that occurred yesterday in the states of Jalisco, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Aguas Calientes, and Zacatecas are being closely monitored.

The post emphasized that it is of great importance for Turkish citizens to be vigilant in the face of current developments, pay maximum attention to their safety, and follow the warnings and directions of local authorities, noting that the Embassy can be reached via the emergency line at "+525579177785."

Sources: bianet, BBC Türkçe, Euronews Türkçe, Anadolu Agency