More Than 170 Arrested, 30 Suspected Jalisco Cartel Operatives Killed in Clashes After El Mencho's Killing

Since the killing of Jalisco Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," cartel operatives unleashed unrest across the country in retaliation.

Roadblocks, killings, carjackings and arson attacks on businesses have been among the most frequent crimes carried out by cartel associates in more than 20 states.

According to a tally compiled by Milenio based on reports from state governments and prosecutors' offices, 176 people have been arrested and at least 30 suspected operatives killed in operations targeting both lower-level members and key figures of the organization in 16 states.

Guanajuato recorded the highest number of arrests with 48 people detained, including 18 charged with terrorism-related offenses. Jalisco followed, where the Guadalajara metropolitan area was partially paralyzed and 41 people were arrested on accusations ranging from violent acts to looting.

Along the northern border, Baja California reported 25 arrests after vehicles were set on fire and roads were blocked in Tijuana, Mexicali and Ensenada. In Chiapas, operations resulted in 15 arrests, initially linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.

In the state of Michoacán, 11 municipal police officers were detained amid blockades and armed attacks in the so-called Tierra Caliente and Bajío regions. Although violent incidents tied to El Mencho's death were reported in 22 states, Milenio noted that not every state recorded arrests despite the unrest.

With each passing day, new reports surface regarding El Mencho's killing. Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo provided additional details about the operation.

He said that military intelligence managed to locate a man close to one of El Mencho's lovers, allowing them to determine his location. Once the person left the premise, officers confirmed that El Mencho stayed there. Forces then moved on to detain him, engaging in a shootout with cartel operatives.

Trevilla Trejo noted that that El Mencho tried to escape while leaving a group of operatives behind to slow down government forces. He made it to a nearby wooden area, but forces pinned him down and shot him. El Mencho was taken to a helicopter heading to Mexico City, but he died on the way.