Violence erupts across Mexico after 'El Mencho' killed in army operation

MEXICO CITY: Mexico was on high alert Monday, with schools closed and travellers stranded, after members of a powerful drug cartel unleashed a wave of violence across parts of the country following the army's announcement that it had killed its leader.

Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was wounded in a clash with soldiers in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state and died while being flown to Mexico City, the army said Sunday. He had a $15 million US bounty on his head.

News of his death triggered retaliatory violence, with cartel members blocking roads, torching vehicles and businesses, and forcing fearful residents into hiding.


The streets of the state capital Guadalajara were almost empty as stores, pharmacies and gas stations shut down.

Maria Medina, who works at a gas station that was set on fire, said armed men arrived and ordered everyone to leave. "I thought they were going to kidnap us. I ran to a taco stand to take cover with the people there," Medina told AFP.

The violence spread to neighbouring Michoacan state, where the cartel also operates, and reached the resort city of Puerto Vallarta.

Travel warnings were issued by the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, while Australia urged its citizens to "exercise a degree of caution" early Monday. The UK Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel to parts of Mexico, including Jalisco.