El Mencho killed, clashes in 6 states

Security forces conducted a surprise operation in the city of Tapalpa, where the residence of the leader of Mexico's largest cartel, Jalisco New Generation (CJNG), was located. According to law enforcement, the leader 'El Mencho' was killed, and a no-fly zone has been established in the area.

In response, cartels mobilized their forces, and clashes have now spread to six states: Jalisco, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Colima, Tamaulipas, and Michoacán—covering nearly 20% of the country's territory. Intensified actions by defense forces and regional chaos have led to new battles involving hundreds of armed groups.

Experts note that CJNG holds the status of one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico: with tens of billions of dollars in revenue, thousands of fighters, and full readiness for military operations. The cartel's activities significantly impact the country's economy, security, and domestic political situation.

Unprecedented heavy losses among the cartel's leadership have caused celebration and heightened tensions in the fight against organized crime, leaving participants embroiled in domestic political conflict.

Context

CJNG, founded in the early 2010s, is considered one of Mexico's largest cartels and regularly engages in armed conflicts with government forces.