Chaos in Mexico after El Mencho killing: Cartels threaten violence against civilians, set deadline in ‘leaked information’

As unprecedented chaos breaks out in several Mexican states, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) retaliates for the death of its boss, El Mencho, and sources say the cartel has ordered its cadres to prepare for all-out war. The authenticity of the leaked news has not been confirmed. The cartel reportedly said it would attack hotels, homes and target civilians unless El Mencho’s killers were handed over to the cartel. Leaked information claimed that only children would be exempted from punishment.

How was El Mencho killed?

Mexican newspapers reported that the Mexican military knocked El Mencho down during an operation aimed at arresting him. But some U.S. commentators claimed the United States was clearly involved in the arrests, as it has been pressuring Mexico to capture drug lords. No details were provided about how the drug lord was killed. Unofficial reports said a shootout broke out during the operation, resulting in the death of the 59-year-old drug cartel leader.

What’s happening in Puerto Vallarta?

Serious riots were reported in the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta, which attracted large numbers of tourists. Tourists were asked to stay inside the resort amid reports of road blockades and arson. Public transportation was suspended and businesses were closed. Alfredo Bedolla, the governor of neighboring Michoacán, also reported that 13 cities across the state were experiencing similar unrest. Milenio newspaper reported further unrest in the states of Veracruz, Guanajuato, Colima, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes and Guerrero.Mexico’s federal security ministry has announced measures to quell the unrest and said their top priority is “ensuring the safety and protection of citizens,” Mexico News Daily reported. U.S. and Canadian airlines suspended operations as airports reported the first attack by the El Mencho drug cartel.

Full Statement from the Government of Mexico on the Elimination of El Mencho

“The Department of Defense informs the public that, through the Central Military Intelligence efforts of the National Intelligence Center and the Office of the Attorney General (FEMDO), Mexican Army Special Forces planned and executed an operation in Jabalta Palpa in which multiple Air Force and National Guard immediate response Special Forces aircraft intervened to detain Ruben “N”(a) Mencho.During this operation, military personnel were attacked and, in order to defend their integrity, they repelled the invasion, resulting in the death of four members of the “CJNG” criminal group on the spot and three serious injuries, who died on the way to Mexico City by plane; among the latter was Ruben “N” (a) Mencho, whose identity will, however, be dealt with by the relevant authorities in the activities of experts.In addition to this, two other members of the criminal organization were also detained and various weapons and armored vehicles were seized, including rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.Unfortunately, during this military operation, three members of the agency were injured and they were also transferred to medical facilities in Mexico City for emergency medical treatment.It should be noted that in order to carry out this operation, in addition to the efforts of the Central Military Intelligence Service, additional information was provided by the authorities of the country within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the United States.Currently, National Guard and Army troops from central Mexico and neighboring states in Jalisco are concentrating on strengthening security for the federal entity.Through these actions, the Department of Defense reaffirms its commitment to contribute to strengthening Mexico’s security. “