As several states in Mexico descended into unprecedented chaos when the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) retaliated for the killing of their boss El Mencho, a leaked message claimed that the cartel had ordered its cadres to prepare for all-out war.
The authenticity of the leaked message has not been verified. According to the allegations, the cartel said they would raid hotels and homes and target civilians unless Al Manchu’s killers were handed over to the cartel. The leaked letter claimed that only children would be exempt from their punishment.
How was El Mencho killed?
Mexican newspapers reported that the Mexican army shot down El Mencho in an operation aimed at arresting him. But many US commentators claimed it was clear that the US was part of the arrest operation as the US was pressuring Mexico to catch the drug lord.
No details were provided on how the drug lord was killed. Unofficial reports claimed that during the operation, a shooting took place that killed the 59-year-old cartel leader.
What’s happening in Puerto Vallarta?
Major disturbances were reported in the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta, which attracts many tourists. Tourists have been asked to stay inside their resorts, with incidents of roadblocks and arson reported. Public transportation has been suspended, and businesses have been closed.
The governor of neighboring Michoacán state, Alfredo Pedulla, also reported that 13 municipalities were experiencing similar unrest across the state. The newspaper Milenio reported further unrest in the states of Veracruz, Guanajuato, Colima, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes and Guerrero.Mexico’s Federal Security Ministry announced measures to quell the unrest and said its priority was “ensuring the security and protection of citizens,” Mexico News Daily reported. US and Canadian airlines suspended operations after airports reported the first attacks from the El Mencho cartel.
Full statement of the Government of Mexico regarding the elimination of El Mencho
“DEFENSA informs the public that, through the efforts of the Central Military Intelligence, of the National Intelligence Center and the Public Prosecutor’s Office (FEMDO), the Special Forces of the Mexican Army planned and carried out an operation in Tapalpa, Jal, where various aircraft of the Air Force and the Special Immediate Response Force of the National Guard intervened to achieve the arrest of Ruben “N” (a) Menchu.During this operation, military personnel were attacked and, defending their safety, repulsed the aggression, as a result of which four members of the criminal group “CJNG” were killed at the scene and three others were seriously injured, who lost their lives while being transported by air to Mexico City; Among these persons is Ruben “N” (A) Menchu, however, expert activities for their identification will be undertaken by the competent authorities.In addition to the above, two other members of this criminal organization were arrested, and various weapons and armor were seized, including missile launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.Unfortunately, during this military action, three members of the Foundation were injured, and were similarly transferred to health care facilities in Mexico City to receive urgent medical care.It should be noted that in order to carry out this operation, in addition to the efforts of the Central Military Intelligence, and within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the United States of America, complementary information was provided by the authorities of that country.At this time, elements of the National Guard and army forces in central Mexico and the states bordering Jalisco are focusing on strengthening the security of this federal entity.With these actions, the Ministry of National Defense reaffirms its commitment to contribute to strengthening Mexico’s security.”
