Tens Of Inmates Escaped From Puerto Vallarta Prison Following 'El Mencho's' Killing

The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, triggered violent events across multiple states, leaving dozens dead and others detained.

Mexico's top security official, Omar García Harfuch, confirmed that Jalisco was the state with the highest number of attacks against state and federal forces, and where authorities received the most reports of roadblocks, businesses set on fire and vehicle thefts.

Another incident that took place was the escape of 23 inmates from the Ixtapa prison, located in the tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta, a stronghold of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).

Mexican media reported that the escape occurred Feb. 22, the same day as the operation to capture El Mencho, when armed groups stormed the prison and rammed the main gate with a vehicle. The Jalisco Public Security Secretariat said the situation sparked internal unrest, resulting in the death of a prison guard and the escape of more than 20 inmates.

"According to the headcount, 23 people deprived of their liberty are unaccounted for, and the corresponding alerts have already been issued to different states for their capture," Jalisco Public Security Secretary Juan Pablo Hernández said during a news conference.

Jalisco officials confirmed that nearly 60 people were killed and 20 others were injured in clashes following El Mencho's death.

Harfuch said authorities recorded 27 attacks against security forces in Jalisco after the operation. He reported that 25 National Guard members, one prison guard and one state prosecutor's office official were killed in those incidents, along with one civilian. Thirty suspected members of organized crime were also killed in related confrontations, he said.

Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla Trejo detailed casualties from the operation itself, saying three soldiers were killed in direct clashes in a wooded area of Jalisco and three more died from their injuries while being airlifted to a hospital. He said troops also killed eight suspected gunmen, detained two people and seized weapons, including seven long guns and two rocket launchers of Russian origin.

Speaking at a presidential news conference, Trevilla became emotional as he referred to fallen personnel. "We extend our condolences to the families of our comrades ... recognition to our military personnel who carried out a successful operation," he said. "It can be seen from many perspectives, but it is definitive that they fulfilled their mission."