Mexico Says Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’ Killed in Raid, Violence Flares Across Western States
Mexico’s army says cartel leader “El Mencho” died after a military raid, triggering violent reprisals and heightened security across several states.
Mexico’s army said Sunday that Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho” and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state.
The 59-year-old, who carried a $15 million U.S. bounty, was wounded in a clash with soldiers and died while being transferred to Mexico City. Six suspected cartel members were killed, three soldiers wounded and two people detained, authorities said.
Officials said anti-aircraft and anti-armor weapons were seized. The White House confirmed it provided intelligence support for the operation.
In response, suspected cartel members blocked more than 20 roads, torched vehicles and spread unrest to neighboring states, prompting school and court closures. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the public to remain calm.
The operation marks a significant blow to one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, but the swift backlash underscores ongoing security challenges and the risk of further violence.
Guatemala reinforced its border with Mexico, while the United States and Canada issued travel warnings and dozens of flights were canceled.
The operation came amid pressure from Donald Trump to curb fentanyl trafficking. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes was widely seen as a ruthless drug lord who oversaw large-scale fentanyl smuggling into the United States.
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