Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged citizens to remain calm and rely on accurate information after a military operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera, a high-profile drug trafficker and one of the country’s most-wanted criminals. The operation, which took place in multiple states, led to widespread unrest, with reports of blocked highways and burned businesses across Jalisco, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Puebla, and Sinaloa.

Escalating Tensions in Jalisco

Jalisco, a state known for its ties to organized crime, saw significant unrest following the operation. Armed men blocked major highways, including the Panamericana highway, and set fire to several businesses in the city of Guadalajara. Local authorities reported at least 12 businesses destroyed and multiple injuries during the chaos. According to officials, the violence was largely fueled by misinformation and fear among the public.

“There is absolute coordination with governments in every state; we should keep ourselves informed and stay calm,” Sheinbaum wrote on X, emphasizing the government’s efforts to manage the situation.

The operation targeting Oseguera, also known as “El Mencho,” took place in the early hours of Sunday. He was a key figure in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a group responsible for numerous violent incidents across Mexico. His death is expected to have significant implications for the country’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime.

Impact on Trade and Public Safety

The unrest following the operation has disrupted regional trade and transportation. The Panamericana highway, a critical artery for commerce in the region, was effectively closed for several hours, causing delays for trucks transporting goods between Mexico City and the Pacific coast. According to the National Institute of Geography and Statistics, the closure impacted at least 150 commercial vehicles and cost the economy an estimated 2.3 million pesos in lost productivity.

Local business owners in Guadalajara reported losses of up to 50% in revenue for the day, with many stores unable to operate due to the chaos. “It’s not just about the damage to the buildings—it’s about the fear that keeps people from coming to work,” said Maria Lopez, a small business owner in the city’s central district.

Authorities have deployed additional police and military personnel to restore order. President Sheinbaum has also called for increased communication with the public to prevent the spread of false information, which she said had contributed to the unrest.

“We are working closely with state governments to ensure that the information being shared is accurate and that the public remains calm,” a senior official said in a press briefing.

What Analysts Say About the Future

Analysts suggest that the death of Oseguera could lead to a power vacuum within the CJNG, potentially increasing violence in the short term as rival factions compete for control. According to a report by the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness, the CJNG has been responsible for over 18,000 murders since 2017, making it one of the deadliest cartels in the region.

“The government’s operation is a major blow to the CJNG, but it may also lead to increased internal conflict within the cartel,” said Carlos Mendez, a security analyst based in Mexico City. “We could see more violence in the coming months as the power struggle unfolds.”

President Sheinbaum has also indicated that the government is preparing for a potential increase in organized crime-related violence. Officials have announced plans to expand the National Guard’s presence in high-risk areas and to implement new policies aimed at curbing the influence of drug cartels.

The next few weeks will be critical in determining the long-term impact of Oseguera’s death. With tensions high and the situation still evolving, the government faces the challenge of maintaining stability while addressing the underlying issues that have fueled the rise of organized crime in Mexico.

The operation has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the Mexican government’s strategy in combating drug trafficking. With Oseguera’s death, the administration now faces the dual challenge of managing the aftermath of the unrest and preventing the emergence of new threats in the region.