Damage Unleashed After Death of “El Mencho”

After His Death

The killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” marked a historic moment in Mexico’s long struggle against organized crime. With it, much damage has also been done to infrastructure around the entire region. He was the longtime leader of the biggest cartel in Mexico, called the CJNG. “Global Affairs Canada is warning that criminal groups have set up roadblocks in several cities across southwestern Mexico as violence escalates,” according to CBC News.

Many officials hailed this death as a major victory, the aftermath has been much more troublesome and an incredibly dangerous reality. The removal of this leader has triggered much more violence, instability, and true uncertainty within Mexico as a whole.

Immediate Violence

Within hours of confirmation that El Mencho had been killed in a military operation, coordinated acts of retaliation erupted in western Mexico. Damage was done everywhere. CJNG operatives and affiliated cells launched road blockades, set vehicles ablaze, and engaged in gun battles with security forces. Major highways in Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Michoacán were temporarily paralyzed as burning trucks and buses blocked traffic.

Urban centers experienced incredible damage. Many of the businesses closed, schools closed, residents were urged to shelter in place until further notice, and tourists in Puerto Vallarta were left scrambling around trying to find shelter, as there are many armed convoys going through the streets trying to prevent further harm.

These tactics were not new. The CJNG has long used public displays of force to signal its reach and retaliatory capacity. However, due to the speed of the violence that is currently ocurring, shows how quickly it can spread as soon as a leader is taken down. “A U.S. defense official told CBS News that the U.S. military played a role in the operation via the Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel, which regularly works with the Mexican military through the U.S. Northern Command,” according to Yahoo! News.

Power Vacuum

One of the most significant risks following the removal of a cartel leader is fragmentation. History has shown that eliminating a kingpin does not necessarily dismantle a criminal organization.

The CJNG was known for its centralized command structure under El Mencho. His authority reportedly kept regional bosses aligned and disputes contained. Without him, rival factions may seek dominance, which can then lead to fighting that can include the public.

This dynamic has precedent. After the capture of figures such as Joaquín Guzmán, leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, splinter groups and competing leaders battled for territory, driving spikes in homicide rates.

Civilian Toll

The most immediate damage has been borne by civilians. Road blockades and shootouts have left communities in fear, with some families trapped in their homes for hours or days. Small business owners have reported looting and arson, while daily wage earners lose income when commerce grinds to a halt.

Tourism as a whole as also really suffered. Travel advisories and images of burning vehicles circulate rapidly on social media, deterring visitors even if violence is localized.

Security Forces

The Mexican military and the National Guard have tightened their security across the region, ensuring that they try to reduce the amount of violence that occurs within them.  Security forces must not only contain CJNG retaliation but also monitor rival organizations that may attempt to exploit the instability.

If there are more troops that are deployed, this can provide some control for a short amount of time. However, the long term effects can truly be detrimental, as there are many things that have yet to be resolved, which can explode into more violence within the future.

Cartel groups are also really fast to adapt. Therefore, they are likely to avoid confrontations directly, and could shift to assassinations, extortion, or attacks on buildings. They can be harder to track and prevent as well.

International Damages

The CJNG’s reach extends beyond Mexico’s borders. The group has been heavily involved in trafficking synthetic drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, into the United States and other countries.

Long-Term Issues

If they are able to manage a smooth succession, the violence may subside eventually, especially after this initial period. But, if this intensifies, Mexico could face a lot of localized conflicts, and many unpredictable outbreaks of violence.

For residents in cartel-contested territories, daily life often hinges on which group controls a given area. Changes at the top can quickly alter those balances, bringing new rules, new risks, and new uncertainties.

A Fragile Moment

For the moment, Mexico is incredibly fragile. The fact of the matter is, despite this being something that is celebratory, there is a lot more that needs to be done to change the trajectory of Mexico to the better.

Sources:

CBC News: Canadians urged not to travel to Mexico as violence explodes in wake of cartel leader’s death

Yahoo! News: Violence erupts after Mexican cartel leader “El Mencho” killed in federal operation

Featured Image Courtesy of anders pearson’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License

Inset Image Courtesy of Robert Stinnett’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License