Mexico sends 2,000 soldiers to Jalisco after cartel leader's death

The violence has left at least 62 dead, including 25 National Guard personnel

Photo: Reuters

Mexican authorities on Monday deployed an additional 2,000 military troops to the western state of Jalisco following violence in the wake of the capture and death of Mexico's most-wanted cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho."

A tip about Oseguera’s romantic liaisons led security forces to his hideout in the small town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state, where he was killed in a military operation, officials said in their first detailed account of the ambush that triggered unrest across much of the country.

At least 62 people were killed in the early Sunday raid and the ensuing violence, including 25 members of the National Guard and 34 suspected gang members, as cartel loyalists set up 85 roadblocks and torched vehicles in more than a dozen states.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday that the situation was returning to normal and that roadblocks were under control, though security was being reinforced in Jalisco, the stronghold of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Oseguera was fatally injured during a special forces operation in a wooded area outside Tapalpa and died while being flown to Mexico City, according to the defence ministry. Authorities said intelligence linked to one of his close associates helped pinpoint his location.

Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said at least 70 people had been arrested in seven states, while the Attorney General’s Office opened proceedings in 14 states as officials monitored the risk of further retaliation.