A Cartel leader is killed in a clash with Special Forces
Nemesio Cervantes (also known as El Mencho) was buried in a coffin of gold color after dying from gunshots in an encounter with Mexican Special Forces in late February. The authorities had started the operation in order to capture him. However, a violent exchange of gunfire broke out between his bodyguards and security forces. He was 59.
El Mencho is the founder of Mexico’s most notorious criminal group, CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel). He topped Mexico’s Most Wanted List for years.
It is a serious blow for the leadership of the cartel. It has however also sparked fears about new instability in several areas.
Violence Erupts Following His Death
As soon as the news spread of his death, members of cartels carried out reprisal attacks across multiple states.The security forces were able to restore order and contain the violence.
Funerals with Symbolic Honors
This is a tribute to El Mencho, who has a well-known passion for cockfighting.
The band performed narcocorridos and ranchero songs, which often glorify cartel leaders. Musicians performed El Muchacho Alegre as the gold coffin entered the chapel in the cemetery. The mourners then followed the coffin, after a ceremony that lasted about an hour.
The burial site itself looked simple despite the gold casket. The local media reported that the mausoleum was not as grand as those built by other drug lords.
CJNG’s Political Power
El Mencho led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel to rapid expansion. From its Jalisco base, the organization has grown into a transnational drug trafficking and production network. The organization now has operations in multiple Mexican states, and is present beyond Mexico’s border.
Security experts caution that the removal of a strong leader could create a power vacuum. Multiple factions may be competing for power within the cartel. This internal conflict could spark a spike of violence in the short-term, analysts fear.
