At least 23 prisoners escaped from prison in Mexico amid riots

At least 23 prisoners escaped from a regional prison in the city of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, amid riots that began after the liquidation of the leader of the drug cartel "New Generation Jalisco" Ruben Oseguera Cervantes. This was reported on February 24 by the NMAs TV channel with reference to the Secretary of Public Security of the region, Juan Pablo Hernandez.

"23 inmates of the Puerto Vallarta Regional Prison escaped during the violent events that erupted after the murder of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes," the publication says.

According to Hernandez, the escape occurred during mass unrest in the state. The convicts' accomplices opened fire on the correctional facility, after which they rammed through the gates in a car and entered the territory. As a result of the shootout, one security officer was killed.

Bloody Sunday: mass riots began in Mexico

Why has the death of the leader of the largest drug cartel caused chaos across the country

Security analyst and political scientist David Saucedo on February 23, in an interview with Izvestia, named three possible scenarios after the liquidation of Cervantes. According to him, the first option is to appoint a new cartel leader who continues his criminal activities. The analyst added that the second option could be a split within the cartel if the leaders fail to choose a successor to El Mencho.

The Associated Press reported on the same day that at least 14 people had died as a result of large-scale riots in Mexico. It was noted that seven members of the National Guard of the country were among the dead. In addition, the authorities of several states have canceled classes in schools, and foreign governments have urged citizens in Mexico to stay at home.

El Mencho was eliminated on February 22 in the municipality of Talpa de Allende in the state of Jalisco. It was clarified that the liquidation was carried out by units of the Mexican Armed Forces. White House press Secretary Caroline Leavitt announced on February 23 that American intelligence had assisted in the liquidation of the head of the drug cartel.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.