Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Sunday called for calm and national unity following reports that federal forces killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, popularly known as “El Mencho.”
Authorities said the security operation targeting the notorious drug kingpin triggered a wave of roadblocks, flight disruptions and scattered violence in parts of the country, as suspected criminal groups reacted to the development.
In a late Sunday night statement addressing the evolving security situation, Sheinbaum stressed the importance of coordination among security agencies and urged citizens to remain informed and avoid panic.
“The Secretariat of National Defense reported on the operation carried out this morning by federal forces, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions,” the president said.
She added that federal and state authorities were working closely to contain the unrest and restore order.
“There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm. The social media accounts of the Security Cabinet provide permanent updates,” she wrote.
Oseguera Cervantes had long been regarded as one of Mexico’s most powerful and wanted cartel figures. His reported death marks a significant development in the country’s ongoing battle against organised crime, though officials warned that tensions could persist in the short term as security forces maintain a strong presence in affected areas.
The federal government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding citizens and stabilising impacted regions, while calling on the public to rely on official channels for verified information.
