El Mencho Killed: Mexico’s War on Cartels Sees Major Victory
Mexico City – Mexican security forces have killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), triggering a wave of violent reprisals across several states. El Mencho was widely regarded as one of Mexico’s most violent criminal figures, and the United States had placed a $15 million bounty on his head.
How El Mencho Was Killed
According to the Mexican Secretariat of National Defence, Cervantes was initially captured in Tapalpa, Jalisco, the state where his cartel originated. He was wounded during a clash with soldiers and died although being transported to Mexico City for medical attention. During the operation, four cartel members were killed at the scene, three more were wounded and later died, and two were arrested. Authorities seized armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other weapons. Three members of the Mexican armed forces were also wounded and are receiving medical treatment.
At least nine additional cartel members were killed in the broader operation, according to media reports.
A History of Evasion and Violence
For years, El Mencho evaded capture, allegedly paying off police for protection while operating within Jalisco. In 2015, his cartel shot down a military helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade to allow him to escape during a security operation.
US Involvement and Reaction
The Mexican government stated that the United States provided intelligence that aided the operation against Oseguera Cervantes. However, no American troops were directly involved. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed US intelligence support, stating that El Mencho was a key target due to his role in trafficking fentanyl into the United States. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described El Mencho as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins” and called his death a “great development” for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world.
The Aftermath: Violence and Disruption
The killing of El Mencho sparked immediate retaliatory violence. Cartel operatives blocked roads with burning vehicles, a common tactic used to disrupt military operations and exert control. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke billowing over Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and panic at the city’s airport. Several airlines suspended flight operations to and from Puerto Vallarta due to the ongoing security situation.
In Guadalajara, burning vehicles blocked roads, and businesses closed in anticipation of further unrest, just months before the city is scheduled to host matches during the summer soccer World Cup. The US, India, and other countries have warned their citizens in several Mexican states – Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon – to remain in safe locations.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus urged residents to stay home, suspended public transportation, and stated that the state was facing “critical hours.”
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, founded around 2009, has become one of the most powerful and rapidly growing criminal organizations in Mexico. It is considered as powerful as the Sinaloa Cartel and has a presence in all 50 U.S. States. The cartel is a major supplier of cocaine to the US market and earns billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines.
El Mencho, originally from Aguililla, Michoacan, had been involved in drug trafficking since the 1990s. He previously lived in the United States, where he was convicted of drug conspiracy charges in California in 1994 and served nearly three years in prison before being deported to Mexico.