Cartel – India Issues Advisory After Mexico Cartel Leader Killed
Cartel – The Embassy of India in Mexico has urged Indian citizens to remain indoors and exercise caution after heightened violence followed the killing of a major cartel figure during a military operation.
Advisory Issued for Indian Nationals
In a public notice shared on social media on Monday, the Embassy advised Indian nationals living in several Mexican states to stay sheltered until further notice. The warning comes in response to escalating tensions after security forces conducted an operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.”
Indian citizens residing in Jalisco State — including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara — have been specifically asked to avoid unnecessary travel. The advisory also covers Tamaulipas State, particularly Reynosa and surrounding municipalities, along with certain areas of Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon.
Precautionary Measures Outlined
The Embassy emphasized the importance of staying alert amid ongoing security operations and reports of road blockages linked to criminal activity. Citizens have been advised to steer clear of areas where law enforcement is active, avoid public gatherings, and limit movement outside their residences.
Indian nationals were also encouraged to monitor updates from local media and strictly follow instructions issued by Mexican authorities. In case of emergencies, they have been told to contact 911. The Embassy further advised individuals to remain in communication with family and friends to confirm their safety and whereabouts.
Operation Targeting Cartel Leadership
The advisory follows a significant security operation carried out by Mexican armed forces in Tapalpa, a town in the western state of Jalisco. The operation targeted Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, also known as CJNG.
According to Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defence, the raid led to an armed confrontation between security personnel and cartel members. Four suspected gang members were killed at the scene. Oseguera and two associates were seriously injured during the exchange and later died while being transported by aircraft to Mexico City.
Three members of the Mexican military sustained injuries during the operation and were transferred to a hospital in the capital for treatment.
Impact on Regional Security
Authorities reported that the military action triggered a wave of violent incidents across Jalisco. Suspected members of organised crime groups reportedly set vehicles ablaze, blocked major roads, and clashed with security forces. Public transportation services were temporarily suspended in some areas as a precaution.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to stay inside their homes while authorities worked to restore order. He noted that disturbances spread beyond Jalisco to at least four additional states, prompting warnings for motorists to avoid highways until the situation stabilised.
The unrest is particularly concerning as Jalisco is scheduled to host four matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, bringing international attention to the region.
International Attention on CJNG
Oseguera, a former police officer, had long been one of the most wanted figures linked to organised crime in Mexico. The United States had offered a reward of up to 15 million dollars for information leading to his capture.
In 2022, the US Justice Department charged him with overseeing efforts to manufacture and distribute fentanyl for smuggling into the United States. American authorities have described the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as one of the most influential and violent criminal organisations operating in Mexico.
The cartel is known to have a strong presence in Jalisco, Colima, and Veracruz, along with activities in other parts of the country.
Ongoing Monitoring
The Embassy of India has stated that it continues to monitor developments closely and will provide further updates as necessary. Indian nationals in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and comply with local safety directives until normal conditions are restored.