Federal Security Minister Omar García Harfuch reported Monday that 25 National Guard members, a state police officer, a security guard, and a woman, reportedly three months pregnant, were killed in attacks in Jalisco following a federal operation targeting CJNG leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes. The cartel leader was shot, detained, and later died while being transferred to Mexico City.
The operation in Tapalpa, about 130 kilometers southwest of Guadalajara, also left 34 cartel members dead, with additional clashes in Michoacán claiming four more lives. Fifteen security personnel were wounded. Authorities said three military personnel were hospitalized following gunfire exchanges with CJNG members.
The arrests and death of Oseguera triggered a wave of violence. CJNG members set up more than 250 narco-blockades across 20 states and carried out arson attacks on businesses, gas stations, and banks. García Harfuch said the majority of blockades were cleared Sunday, with the remainder removed by Monday morning. He noted Jalisco had the highest number of blockades, with 18 federal highways blocked.
The violence caused significant travel disruptions, including canceled bus routes and flights to Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Tepic. Authorities arrested 70 people across seven states, with over 50 arrests taking place in Jalisco, Baja California, and Guanajuato.
Speaking at a press conference, García Harfuch said the Tapalpa operation weakened the CJNG, which he called Mexico’s “main” generator of violence, responsible for homicide, kidnapping, extortion, and attacks on authorities. He praised the Mexican Army, National Guard, and Air Force for their response and called on citizens to remain calm.
“The strength of a criminal group will never be above the strength of the Mexican state,” the federal security cabinet added in a social media post Monday morning, emphasizing that authorities are working to restore peace and protect residents.
