Mexican security forces have reportedly killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the infamous “El Mencho” and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a fierce shootout in Jalisco state. The 59-year-old drug lord, with a $15 million U.S. bounty, died from wounds during airlift to Mexico City after attacking troops with accomplices.
Who Was El Mencho?
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, aka El Mencho, rose from a local police officer to head Mexico’s most powerful cartel, founded around 2010. Less globally known than El Chapo’s Sinaloa group, CJNG dominated with ultraviolence, military arsenals, drones, explosives, and attacks on helicopters.
U.S. authorities accused him of flooding borders with cocaine, fentanyl, and meth, plus assassination attempts on officials. His son, “El Menchito,” serves life in a U.S. supermax after 2024 conviction. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau hailed him on X as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.”
What Sparked the Deadly Raid?
Special forces from army, National Guard, air force, and intelligence targeted El Mencho in Tapalpa, 80 miles southwest of Guadalajara. Troops faced ambush; four cartel members died on site, three—including El Mencho—en route to Mexico City. Officers seized rocket launchers for aircraft/armor, arrested two accomplices; three troops wounded.
U.S. intel aided the op, biggest cartel blow in over a decade. President Trump pressured Mexico on drugs/migrants; officials celebrated amid threats of military action.
Why Is Mexico Exploding in Chaos?
El Mencho’s death ignited “narco” retaliation: burning vehicle roadblocks in Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacán, Colima, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas. Videos showed smoke over Puerto Vallarta beaches, armed men torching Guadalajara petrol stations and vehicles—a 2026 World Cup host city.
Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged 8 million Jalisco residents to shelter, suspended transport. U.S. Embassy issued “shelter in place” alerts; Canada warned of shootouts/explosions. Landau posted: “I’m watching the scenes of violence from Mexico with great sadness… But we must never lose our nerve.”
President Claudia Sheinbaum deferred to security council for details.
CJNG’s Reign of Terror:
- Power base: Jalisco; fentanyl/meth smuggling to U.S.
- Tactics: Grenades on police, drone bombs, fuel theft, extortion.
- Global reach: Latin America dominance.
- U.S. reward: $15M for capture.
- Family: Son “El Menchito” in U.S. prison.
FAQs
Q: What was El Mencho’s real name?
A: Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, 59, CJNG leader.
Q: Where and how was El Mencho killed?
A: Wounded in Tapalpa, Jalisco shootout; died en route to Mexico City.
Q: What weapons did forces seize?
A: Rocket launchers, armored vehicles, firearms.
Q: Why the nationwide roadblocks?
A: Cartel revenge after leader’s death in 8+ states.
Q: U.S. reaction to El Mencho’s death?
A: Officials praise; $15M bounty context amid Trump border pressure.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
