Mexican military forces have successfully killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.” He ruthlessly led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Mexico’s most powerful and violent drug syndicate.
The high-stakes security operation took place on Sunday in the town of Tapalpa, located in the central-western state of Jalisco.
A Coordinated Military Strike
Mexican Special Forces planned and executed the daring daytime raid. Furthermore, they relied heavily on critical intelligence provided by the United States government.
During the operation, troops engaged in a heavy firefight with heavily armed cartel members. Consequently, authorities killed four CJNG operatives at the scene and seized dangerous military-grade weapons, including rocket launchers.
El Mencho sustained severe injuries during the violent clash. Ultimately, the 59-year-old fugitive died while the military transported him by helicopter to Mexico City for medical treatment.
Violent Cartel Retaliation
Following the news of his death, the CJNG immediately launched massive retaliatory attacks.
Cartel henchmen erected fiery roadblocks and torched vehicles across eight different Mexican states. Furthermore, the ensuing chaos trapped thousands of tourists in popular destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Gunmen forced severe disruptions at local airports, prompting airlines like Delta, United, and Air Canada to cancel all incoming and outgoing flights.
Government Response and Travel Warnings
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro quickly activated a “code red” emergency protocol. He suspended all public transportation and urged residents to stay safely inside their homes.
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the public to remain calm. She assured citizens that federal and state authorities are fully coordinating their security efforts. “In most parts of the country, activities are proceeding normally,” Sheinbaum posted on social media.
Because of the unpredictable violence, the U.S. State Department issued strict shelter-in-place warnings for American citizens located in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon.
A Massive Victory for Global Security
El Mencho operated as a former police officer before building a vast criminal empire. His organization systematically trafficked billions of dollars worth of cocaine, methamphetamine, and deadly fentanyl directly into the United States.
The U.S. government previously offered a massive $15 million reward for his capture. Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Christopher Landau, praised the successful operation online. He called El Mencho one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins in history, noting his death represents a massive victory for global security.
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