Mexico’s military has killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during an operation in the western state of Jalisco.

Cervantes, 59, a former police officer who headed one of the country’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations, died after being wounded in an exchange of fire with security forces.

According to Mexican authorities, the operation took place in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco.

Soldiers engaged in a firefight with cartel members, during which four suspected criminals were killed.

Cervantes and two other cartel members were seriously injured and airlifted to Mexico City.

Cervantes died from his wounds during the flight.

Two cartel members were arrested, and the military seized weapons, rocket launchers and armored vehicles.

Three soldiers were wounded in the clash and transported to a hospital in the capital for medical treatment.

The Mexican embassy in the United States said U.S. authorities provided intelligence that contributed to the success of the operation.

The United States had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to Cervantes’ capture, accusing him of trafficking large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine across the southern U.S. border.

His death comes amid ongoing tensions between Mexico and the administration of former President Donald Trump over drug cartels and cross-border smuggling.

Trump had previously criticized Mexico’s efforts to curb drug trafficking and threatened military action against cartels.

The United States, Mexico and Canada are scheduled to co-host the upcoming World Cup, with four matches set to take place in Guadalajara.

Following the announcement of Cervantes’ death, unrest spread across areas under CJNG influence.

Vehicles were set on fire and roadblocks erected in the states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacán and Tamaulipas.

Armed individuals reportedly opened fire near Guadalajara International Airport, and video circulating online showed people running from the area.

Heavy smoke was also reported in the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, where multiple vehicles were set ablaze in a parking lot.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged the state’s approximately eight million residents to remain at home until the situation is under control.

Public transportation services were suspended, schools were closed and residents were advised to avoid travel due to violent incidents reported in at least five areas of the state.

Authorities reported flight disruptions and cancellations, and access to airports was affected by road blockages and security developments.

Several embassies advised against traveling to the airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta unless essential and coordinated with airlines and local authorities, and recommended avoiding non-essential travel within Jalisco and the affected regions.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the killing of the cartel leader as a significant development for Mexico, the United States, Latin America and the wider international community, and said he was monitoring the violence with concern.