Overview
- Mexican forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in a Jalisco operation and delivered his body to federal prosecutors, confirming the death of the CJNG leader.
- The cartel’s backlash brought widespread arson and roadblocks — Mexican outlets counted about 252 barricades across 20 states — and at least 237 flights were canceled at airports including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta after panic and access disruptions.
- Official accounts of casualties diverge, with some tallies reporting at least 74 dead from the operation and ensuing violence, while authorities redeployed additional troops and foreign embassies urged residents and travelers to shelter in place.
- Washington acknowledged providing intelligence support for the raid and had posted a $15 million reward for El Mencho, with CJNG previously labeled a foreign terrorist organization by the United States in 2025.
- Following a Supreme Court ruling against earlier measures, President Trump announced new 15% global tariffs, and the EU put ratification of the July 2025 trade pact on hold pending clarity, as Berlin calls for a single EU stance before Merz’s trip.