Mexican Army kills drug lord El Mencho, followers unleash violence in city

MEXICO CITY: The Mexican army killed powerful drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes alias El Mencho (51). A clash broke out between the army and members of El Mencho's cartel at Tapalpa in Mexico. El Mencho, who was seriously injured in the attack, died while being shifted to a hospital in the city, the Mexican army said in a statement.

The operation against El Mencho's mafia group was based on information provided by the Mexican army's intelligence and secret information provided by the United States. Six mafia members were killed in the clash with the army. Two were arrested by the army. The army has also seized weapons, including rocket launchers, from the mafia group's headquarters.

After the news of El Mencho's death broke out, his followers unleashed violence in the country. International media has reported that the riots have spread to eight states in Mexico. The attackers have set fire to several vehicles and blocked traffic in protest. With this, most businesses in Mexican cities have been closed. Educational institutions in Jalisco have declared a holiday.

Authorities have directed people to stay indoors and cancel public events. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that people should maintain peace. El Mencho is a fugitive drug mafia boss who is wanted by international investigative agencies. He is the head of the notorious Jalisco New Generation drug mafia group. The United States had also announced a bounty of $ 15 million for El Mencho's head. El Mencho and his group were involved in smuggling large amounts of drugs, including cocaine, into the United States. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau congratulated Mexico and the Mexican military.