Mexico sends 2,000 troops to cartel stronghold after deadly raid

Mexico has deployed 2,000 additional troops to the western state of Jalisco following the killing of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” in an operation that triggered widespread unrest across the country.

The reinforcement of security forces in Jalisco — the stronghold of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) — marks the government’s most visible response since the early February 22 raid that left at least 62 people dead and sparked coordinated violence in more than a dozen states, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

President Claudia Sheinbaum said early on February 23 that the situation was stabilising and that roadblocks set up by cartel loyalists were under control. Authorities said 85 roadblocks were erected, with vehicles and businesses set ablaze in protest of Oseguera’s killing.

Oseguera, regarded as Mexico’s most-wanted cartel leader, died in a helicopter after being injured during a military operation by Mexican special forces in a wooded area outside the town of Tapalpa, according to Mexico’s defence ministry. The U.S. government had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

Mexican officials said U.S. intelligence helped pinpoint the location of the compound where Oseguera was found, but stressed that Mexican forces led the mission.

"There was no participation in this operation of U.S. forces. What there was, was an exchange of information," President Sheinbaum said.

The clashes and subsequent unrest left 25 members of the National Guard military police and 34 suspected gang members dead, authorities said. At least 70 people were arrested across seven states, Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said, while the Attorney General’s Office confirmed proceedings in 14 states — nearly half the country.

According to the defence ministry, attacks in Jalisco were coordinated by Oseguera’s right-hand man and financial chief known as “El Tuli,” who was also killed in a confrontation with security forces. The operative had allegedly offered a 20,000 peso ($1,160) reward for the deaths of military personnel.

The death of Oseguera represents a significant blow to the CJNG, a highly diversified criminal enterprise and a major rival to the Sinaloa Cartel. However, analysts warn that the power vacuum could lead to further fragmentation and violence in a country already grappling with years of organised crime-related killings and disappearances.

Garcia said authorities were closely monitoring the cartel’s internal dynamics to prevent additional outbreaks of violence.

"There is already a specific surveillance of several leaders of this criminal organization," he said.

By Sabina Mammadli