Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and one of the world's most wanted drug lords, was killed this Sunday in a collaborative operation between Mexican federal forces and U.S. authorities.
The operation resulted in the deaths of four additional cartel members in the municipality of Tapalpa, located approximately 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco.
Following El Mencho's demise, a wave of cartel-related violence erupted across several Mexican states. This included gas station fires and road blockades, leading to the suspension of classes and public events.
The United States government praised Mexico for the successful operation, highlighting the exchange of intelligence information within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation, according to official sources who spoke to Efe.
President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her gratitude to the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet for the operation's success.
"The Security Cabinet's social media continuously provides updates. Across most of the national territory, activities proceed with complete normality. We work every day for the peace, security, justice, and well-being of Mexico," she stated on X.
Mexican authorities reported that Oseguera Cervantes died while being transported by helicopter. Two other suspected cartel members were apprehended, and three others sustained serious injuries.
A variety of weaponry and armored vehicles were seized, including rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft.
Three Mexican army soldiers were injured in the encounter.
El Mencho led Mexico's largest criminal organization, a transnational cartel that expanded its operations beyond drugs to include extortion, theft, and human trafficking. The cartel holds influence throughout the country and much of the United States. It is notorious for its capacity to assassinate judges, politicians, and military personnel, paralyze entire cities, hire foreign mercenaries, and shoot down army helicopters with rocket fire, as detailed by El País on Sunday.
FAQs on El Mencho and the CJNG Operation
Who was El Mencho?
El Mencho was the alias of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in Mexico.
What was the outcome of the operation against the CJNG?
The operation resulted in the death of El Mencho and four other cartel members, the arrest of two suspects, and the serious injury of three others. Various weapons and armored vehicles were also confiscated.
How did the U.S. contribute to the operation?
The United States provided intelligence information and support as part of its ongoing coordination and cooperation with Mexican authorities.