Threat of further violence looms after Mexican cartel rampage
BBC World
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Mexican drug cartel CJNG unleashed a wave of violence in Guadalajara after the killing of their leader, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, setting vehicles ablaze and ransacking stores to demonstrate their power. This rampage left streets scarred with burnt debris and created an atmosphere of fear among residents, many of whom stayed indoors as schools closed and businesses shuttered. While President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized peace and praised security efforts, locals remain anxious about further violence. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle between cartels and the government, with critics arguing that targeting top leaders only escalates conflict rather than addressing root causes like poverty and systemic issues.
The violence disrupted daily life in Guadalajara, with empty streets reflecting residents' fear of more attacks. Small businesses, like Anwar Montoya's café, faced tough choices—either stay open despite the danger or close to protect their workers and families. Montoya chose to remain open, hoping his café could offer a safe haven for customers seeking normalcy amid chaos. However, the broader context reveals a decades-long cycle of violence in Jalisco, exacerbated by cartels' control over local communities and the government's focus on eliminating high-ranking figures rather than tackling underlying factors.
Mariana Casillas, a left-wing deputy, criticized the government's approach, noting that the same pattern of violence has persisted for over two decades. She pointed out that focusing solely on removing cartel leaders fails to address the systemic issues driving recruitment and conflict. With more than 60 funerals for both CJNG members and National Guard troops, the human cost of this strategy becomes clear. Many fear that eliminating top leaders will only trigger further violence
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026