The Mexican Ministry of National Defense has officially announced the elimination of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as "El Mencho." The head of the "Jalisco New Generation Cartel" (CJNG), the most powerful drug cartel in the country, was killed as a result of a special forces operation by the army in the state of Jalisco.
According to information from the defense department, security forces encountered cartel militants after coming under a sudden attack. During the fighting, four members of the criminal organization were eliminated, and three others died from injuries during an emergency evacuation by helicopter to Mexico City. Three military personnel were injured in this incident.
The death of "El Mencho" led to an escalation of violence that quickly spread beyond Jalisco, affecting neighboring regions. Mass unrest has been reported in several states: armed clashes with police, arson of stores, and road blockades using burning vehicles. In light of the deteriorating situation, local authorities urged citizens to stay home, educational institutions suspended their operations, and foreign embassies issued warnings about potential security threats.
To stabilize the situation, federal authorities deployed additional forces to the sites of unrest and established over 250 checkpoints across the country. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum noted that the actions of the security forces are coordinated with regional authorities.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, who was 60 years old, topped the list of the most wanted drug lords. According to the U.S. Department of State, "El Mencho" controlled major trafficking routes for cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. His CJNG cartel is notorious for its extreme violence, the murders of hundreds of competitors and law enforcement officers, as well as assassination attempts on high-ranking officials. Previously, U.S. authorities had offered a reward of $15 million for information leading to his capture.
