Unrest in 20 Mexican states after drug trafficker 'El Mencho' was killed by the army

 Following the killing of 'El Mencho', a major drug trafficker in Mexico, during a military operation, a severe state of violence has erupted in about 20 states across the country. Due to the chaotic behavior of his supporters, 32 people, including 25 military personnel, have lost their lives so far.Due to the violent acts, roads have been blocked, numerous vehicles and aircraft have been set on fire, and over 20 government-owned bank branches have also been torched. The state of Jalisco, which is also a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is currently under complete lockdown.

The killing occurred during a special operation launched by the Mexican army on Sunday. As stated by Mexico's Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla, intelligence agencies tracked a close associate of El Mencho's girlfriend, leading them to his secret location. Mencho was seriously wounded in a shootout during a raid on a safe house located in the Jalisco area.

Subsequently, while he was being transported by helicopter for medical treatment, he and two of his bodyguards died. In this operation, 8 other criminals were killed, and a large cache of weapons, including armored vehicles and rocket launchers, was seized by the military.

El Mencho, the leader of the organization known as Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), had a bounty of nearly a billion US dollars on his head. Founded in 2009, this organization had become the primary network for smuggling synthetic drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States. US President Donald Trump recently designated these drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and exerted strong pressure on the Mexican government to take severe action against them. It is reported that these organizations possess machine guns, tanks, and even drones.

This is not the first time such a powerful cartel leader has been arrested or killed in Mexico. Similar violent situations erupted in the country previously when 'El Chapo' was arrested in 2016, his son 'Ovidio Guzman' in 2019, and 'El Mayo' in 2024.

Experts point out that if internal conflicts arise for the next leadership of the organization after Mencho's death, these bloodsheds could further escalate. It is estimated that over 160,000 people work in these drug networks, and in some areas, they operate by even challenging the authority of the government and the police.

Meanwhile, due to the unstable situation in the country, the Indian Embassy in Mexico has issued a series of special advisories for Indian nationals residing there. They have urged individuals living in the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León to remain highly vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel and crowded places, and stay safe. Furthermore, they have been advised to call 911 in case of an emergency and to contact the embassy at +52-55-4847-7539 for additional assistance.