Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Rylan Barton. The State Department is advising U.S. citizens and government staff in several Mexican states, including Halisco, Baja, California, and Mishu Akan to shelter in place.

Officials are worried about continued violence after a Mexican operation that killed the leader of a major drug cartel chief.

In response, gang members

burned stores, vehicles, and battled with security forces in cities across the country. Mexican

officials say 25 National Guard troops died in six separate attacks yesterday. In total, at least

73 people died, including at least one civilian, as NPR's Kerry Khan reports.

The killing of the leader of the Halisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Sigero-Servantes,

was carried out solely by Mexican forces, says Mexico's defense secretary.

Ricardo Trevilla told reporters the U.S. did provide intelligence, but the bravery of his troops

was the operation's success,

he says, while overcome by emotion.

The military personnel demonstrated the strength of the Mexican state, he says.

Mexico has been under intense pressure from the U.S. to crack down on drug cartels.

President Trump has repeatedly threatened unilateral U.S. intervention.

On social media, the U.S. ambassador praised Mexico's military.

Kerry Kahn, NPR News.

President Trump delivers his State of the Union address tomorrow.

NPR's Domenico Montanaro reports that, according to a new NPR PBS News News merest poll, Americans are doubtful of the U.S. political system.

Roughly two-thirds of the more than 1,400 respondents polled say the system of checks and balances in the country just isn't working.

That comes as President Trump has spent the better part of his first year in office trying to consolidate power.

And even higher 78% say they see a

serious threat to democracy. That includes 9 and 10 Democrats, 8 and 10 independents, and even 61%

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