Jalisco: Mexico’s most-wanted drug lord, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, aka El Mencho, has died after being wounded in a military operation in Jalisco,
authorities confirmed. The strike targeted the head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and was followed by deadly reprisals across several regions.
El Mencho killed
According to Mexico’s Defence Minister Ricardo Trevilla, investigators tracked the cartel leader through intelligence gathered from the movements of a trusted associate linked to one of his romantic partners. Officials monitored her travel to a rural compound near the mountain town of Tapalpa. After she departed, security forces concluded Oseguera remained inside under heavy protection and swiftly launched an operation.
Troops surrounded the property the next day. Gunmen loyal to Oseguera opened fire before retreating with him into nearby forest. He was later found severely injured alongside members of his inner circle. Oseguera and two bodyguards were airlifted for treatment but died en route, Trevilla said during a government briefing.
El Mencho death
Authorities stressed that Mexican forces planned and executed the raid. While the United States provided intelligence to help verify the location, President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified that no US troops took part.
Within hours of the operation, CJNG fighters launched coordinated attacks. Roads were blocked, vehicles torched, businesses targeted and security forces ambushed. Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said at least 25 National Guard members were killed in Jalisco, along with around 30 suspected cartel members. Dozens of arrests followed as authorities worked to restore order.
Over the years, Oseguera transformed CJNG into one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organisations, expanding its reach nationwide and playing a major role in trafficking fentanyl and other drugs into the United States.
