Cartel Chaos Quiets

Mexico is recovering from a wave of violence following Sunday’s killing of its most-wanted cartel boss, “El Mencho.”

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes headed up the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a major U.S. supplier of fentanyl, meth, and cocaine. Mexican authorities followed one of El Mencho’s “lovers” to his hideout; the drug lord died in custody after being injured in a shootout. 

CJNG retaliated by blocking 250+ roads and burning cars across 20+ Mexican states. Over 70 people were killed in the operation and ensuing violence, including 25 Mexican National Guard members, “El Tuli” (the alleged mastermind of CJNG’s response), 30+ additional suspected cartel members, and others. 

As of yesterday, roadblocks were reportedly cleared, thousands of security forces deployed, and normal flight schedules resumed across tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, and Cozumel (see map).

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Christians live as strangers and exiles in our home countries, whether that temporary home is peaceful, disorderly, or somewhere in between. Seek the good of the land you’re passing through while eagerly anticipating the coming of your permanent home. 

“This is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I deported from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce… Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.’” 
Jeremiah 29:4-7 (CSB) (read full passage)