Mexico: riots after cartel elimination

Mass riots erupted in Mexico after a special operation, during which, according to the Ministry of National Defense, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, nicknamed El Mencho, was eliminated. He died on the way to the hospital from injuries sustained during the operation involving the country's armed forces, aviation, National Guard rapid response units, and U.S. representatives.

The cartel announced a bounty of 1,200 U.S. dollars for each killed police officer or soldier. As a result, mass highway blockades, vehicle and facility arson attacks—including banks—were reported across the country, and after capturing Guadalajara International Airport, militants began setting aircraft on fire.

The Mexican government stated that the situation remains under control across most of the territory despite local incidents, noted by President Claudia Sheinbaum.

El Mencho was considered one of the most powerful drug lords in the country, and his cartel is known for its high level of armament, including drone operation units and other types of weapons.