Mexican Officials Report 25 Soldiers Killed in Cartel Raid

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that efforts are underway to restore calm in the country following a recent government raid that killed one of Mexico’s most-wanted drug trafficking leaders, Nemesio Oseguera, also known as “El Mencho”, of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

During a press conference on Monday, Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch reported that 25 members of the National Guard were killed in clashes with criminal groups in the state of Jalisco. Additionally, 30 people described as criminal suspects were also killed, along with four in Michoacan. The incidents occurred across six locations in Jalisco.

Sheinbaum stated that conditions have improved and Mexico is “calm” after the Sunday raid. She also announced that all improvised roadblocks erected in response to the raid have been removed. Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla confirmed that an additional 2,500 security force members will be deployed to Jalisco to reinforce existing forces.

The Mexican government has sought to reassure citizens and visitors alike about the safety of airports across the country. The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs reported that flights to and from Puerto Vallarta are expected to resume on Monday or Tuesday, although disruptions at Guadalajara airport remain due to flight crew availability.

According to the Mexican Embassy to the US, there have been no reports of attacks on civilians at Guadalajara airport or US tourists being held hostage. The embassy has shared social media posts debunking online rumours and providing updates on airport operations.

Source: Al Jazeera