National Guardsmen and Women Killed After Death of Mexican Drug Lord
At least 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard have been killed in retaliation after the death of Drug Lord “El Mencho.” Many of the deaths occurred in multiple states including Jalisco, after the death of the CJNG leader. As a result of the killing, it has lead to many other communities affected due to the retaliation.
Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch states 25 national guard troops were killed in at least six separate assaults. The CJNG retaliated against the 25 national guard troops forces in hours after El Mencho’s death. In many penitentiaries, prison guards, a member of a state prosecutor’s office, and a civilian woman were also reported killed during the outbreak. Authorities have stated that nearly 30 cartel members were killed in clashes and more than 70 people were detained in connection with the CJNG.
El Mencho, the leader of one of Mexico’s biggest cartel organization, was killed on Sunday during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. His death happened when Mexican military tried to capture him. CJNG gunmen opened fire leading to a shootout. El Mencho and several of his cartel members were fatally wounded and died while being transported to nearby hospitals.
The CJNG retaliated to his death with a bloodshed of violence including blocking roads, setting vehicles on fire, and ambushing Mexican police. The retaliation happened nearly across 20 Mexican states. At least 12 roadblocks were reported in Jalisco and other states. Authorities have stated most of the roadblocks were cleared by Monday morning.
Courtesy Of Lesly Barba ( Flickr CC0 )President Claudia Sheinbaum was happy about how the operation went down. However, many Mexican Citizens are concerned after the death of El Mencho and still remain cautious after the retaliation continues to unfold. The Mexican president emphasizes that restoring peace and public safety is the top government priority, and reassuring the Mexican citizens to not fear the retaliation.
The violence abrupted has local authorities and foreign governments urging residents and travelers to stay alert and find any possible shelter as conditions stabilize.
Sources:
BBC: At least 25 National Guard troops killed in violence after death of Mexican drug lord
Featured Image Courtesy of Sharon Delgadillo Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Lesly Barba Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
