Dozens of Dead in Brutal Cartel Revenge After Leader's Death; Street War Continues

Authorities stated that the number of roadblocks has significantly decreased compared to the 65 closures recorded on February 22, as reported by Infobae.

According to officials, 83 percent of the barricades, mainly created by burning vehicles, have already been removed, while seven sections of roadway remain closed.

Isolated blockades were also reported in Michoacán and Nayarit, but they were quickly cleared. The cabinet stated that, in coordination with all levels of government, security operations are continuing to ensure public safety.

In the city of Autlán de Navarro, a "red alert" was activated, and local authorities suspended classes and closed certain public facilities until February 25. Governor Pablo Lemus said that educational activities will gradually return to normal and that emergency measures could be lifted soon.

The operation to eliminate "El Mencho" was carried out in the mountainous area of Tapalpa, Jalisco, with the participation of Mexico's Ministry of National Defense, the National Guard, the Criminal Investigation Agency, the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime, and other U.S. agencies. After the clash, authorities seized an arsenal of weapons, including rifles and rocket launchers, and arrested two individuals.

Mexico's Attorney General’s Office (FGR) announced that the body of the leader of Mexico's most powerful cartel was genetically identified in Mexico City. The FGR is conducting 57 investigations in 14 states related to violence following the operation, including 37 in Jalisco.

At Least 73 Dead

Mexican and U.S. authorities described the operation as a significant blow to the structure of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, announcing the continuation of their offensive against the criminal group.

As previously reported, at least 73 people were killed during Mexican security forces' attempt to capture "El Mencho", as well as in the wave of violence that followed his death, Mexican authorities said today.

According to security officials, those killed include members of security forces, suspected cartel members, and civilians.

Mexico's Security Minister Omar García Harfuch added that around 30 suspected members of criminal groups were killed in Jalisco, while four people were killed in neighboring Michoacán. Among the dead were a prison guard and a state prosecutor’s office official.

Authorities Tracked "El Mencho’s" Girlfriend

"El Mencho" led one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, known for smuggling fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States, as well as for attacks on government officials.

Mexico's Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla Trejo said authorities located his hideout in Tapalpa by tracking one of his partners. Oseguera Cervantes and two bodyguards attempted to flee into a wooded area, where they were seriously wounded in a firefight with the army.

According to Trevilla, all three were detained but died while being transported to Mexico City. Following the death of its leader, the cartel responded with a wave of violence, including road blockades and vehicle burnings in several parts of the country.