Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch, addressing a joint press conference with President Claudia Sheinbaum, confirmed that the National Guard personnel lost their lives in six separate incidents across the western state of Jalisco. The violence erupted after security forces carried out an operation that resulted in the killing of Nemesio Oseguera, also known as "El Mencho", the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Garcia Harfuch said that 30 suspected criminals were also killed in Jalisco during the clashes, while four others died in neighbouring Michoacan.
The deaths of the 25 National Guard members mark one of the deadliest episodes for Mexican security forces in recent years and underscore the intensity of the backlash from organised crime groups, Al Jazeera reported.
"What is important now is to guarantee peace and security of all the population," Mexican President Sheinbaum said, acknowledging the gravity of the situation but insisting that conditions had improved since Sunday's operation and that the country "is calm."
Following the raid, criminal groups launched retaliatory attacks, setting up more than 250 roadblocks across 20 states and engaging in gun battles with security forces. Residents in affected areas reported prolonged exchanges of fire.
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