EI Mencho Killed: The Mexican government has confirmed that its security forces have killed Nemesio Oseguera Rubén Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, who is the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The death of one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals has sparked a wave of retaliatory attacks across several states as the cartel members attempted to show their strength and power in response to the death of their leader. The United States government had offered a reward of $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
EI Mencho Death: President Sheinbaum Praises Successful Operation
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the military operation on X (formerly Twitter), urging citizens to remain calm. She wrote, “There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states. In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.”
How El Mencho Was Captured and Killed by Mexican Forces
According to the Mexican Secretariat of National Defence, El Mencho was located in Tapalpa, a town of about 20,000 in Jalisco, which is the home base of El Mencho’s cartel. El Mencho was wounded in a shootout with soldiers and died while being taken to Mexico City for treatment.
“During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four people at the location. Three more people, including Oseguera Cervantes, were wounded and later died,” the military said. Two others were arrested, and the military seized armoured vehicles, rocket launchers, and other weapons. Three soldiers were also injured and are receiving medical care. There were confirmed reports that at least nine other cartel members were killed in the operation.
EI Mencho Killed Case: US Provides Intelligence Support
Though the operation was carried out by Mexican authorities alone, the United States government offered intelligence support. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt referred to El Mencho as “one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland” and commended Mexico’s military. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau referred to him as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins” and continued, “This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys.”
Cartel Violence Erupts Across Mexico After El Mencho Death
After the death of El Mencho, cartel members erected roadblocks with burning cars, causing panic in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Airports were evacuated, and flights were grounded. Governments in Mexico, the United States, India, and other nations advised citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon to remain indoors. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus suspended public transportation and said, “We are in critical hours.”
El Mencho Criminal History and Rise in the Jalisco Cartel
Nemesio Oseguera Rubén Cervantes alias El Mencho was born in Aguililla, Michoacan, in 1967. He began his involvement in drug trafficking in the 1990s. He had lived in the United States and served almost three years in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin in California in 1994. After his release from prison in the United States, he returned to Mexico and began working with Ignacio Coronel Villarreal (Nacho Coronel) and later co-founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in 2007. Initially, he was an ally of the Sinaloa Cartel, but later split and began fighting for territory in Mexico.
El Mencho was infamous for his ability to evade arrest, bribe law enforcement officials, and seek political asylum. In May 2015, his loyal followers even shot down a military helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade to protect him. During his reign, the CJNG was one of the most violent groups in Mexico, and they even introduced new tactics of using drones, explosives, and mines.
El Mencho’s Death: Jalisco Cartel’s Global Reach and Drug Trafficking Network
The CJNG is said to be as powerful as the Sinaloa Cartel and operates in all 50 states of the U.S. The cartel deals in cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamines, earning the group billions of dollars. The CJNG has been known for its attacks on the military and law enforcement, using grenade attacks and drones. The DEA has labeled it as one of the most dangerous cartels in Mexico.
Implications of El Mencho Death on Mexico’s Security Situation
The death of El Mencho is a significant achievement for the Mexican government in its fight against organized crime. Although it is likely to affect the CJNG, there are chances of retaliatory attacks. Mexican President Sheinbaum has also emphasized the dangers of hunting the “kingpins” of cartels, which may result in violent attacks from the disintegrating group.
