Mexican Forces Take Down Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’

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even members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) were killed during a major military operation in western Mexico, including the group’s leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” authorities said Sunday.

Mexico’s Defense Ministry said Army Special Forces, working alongside the National Intelligence Center and the Attorney General’s Office, carried out the operation in Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco — a known CJNG stronghold.

The mission involved multiple Mexican Air Force aircraft and National Guard units and aimed to capture Oseguera. According to officials, troops came under fire during the raid and responded in self-defense.

Four cartel members were killed at the scene, while three others — including a man identified as “Ruben ‘N,’ alias Mencho” — were critically wounded and later died during air transfer to Mexico City. Authorities said forensic investigations are underway to formally confirm Oseguera’s identity.

Two additional suspects were arrested. Security forces also seized heavy weaponry and armored vehicles, including rocket launchers capable of targeting aircraft. Three Special Forces personnel were wounded and transported to medical facilities in Mexico City.

The Defense Ministry added that intelligence supporting the operation was provided by U.S. authorities under bilateral security cooperation frameworks. Both Mexico and the United States had offered substantial rewards for Oseguera’s capture — $15 million from the U.S. government and 300 million Mexican pesos from Mexican authorities.

Rise of a Cartel leader

Oseguera led the CJNG from its origins as an armed faction of the now-defunct Milenio Cartel, transforming it into one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations. A former police officer, he rose to prominence in the early 1990s and became known internationally for the cartel’s extreme brutality and expansion into global drug trafficking networks.

The reported killing triggered an immediate and widespread violent response across several states where the CJNG operates.

Authorities reported road blockades, burning vehicles, and armed clashes in Tamaulipas, Michoacán, and Nayarit.

In Jalisco, Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro issued a red alert, suspended public transportation, and ordered the cancellation of large public events. In-person classes across the state were also cancelled for Monday.

Mexico’s Security Cabinet announced that federal forces from central Mexico and neighboring states were being deployed to reinforce security in Jalisco. While airports remain operational, most departures from Puerto Vallarta Airport were reportedly cancelled, with some arrivals also disrupted.

International warnings

The unrest prompted travel warnings from foreign governments.

The United States urged its citizens in affected states — including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León — to shelter in place. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau praised the operation, calling it “a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world,” while acknowledging the violent backlash.

Canada’s Foreign Ministry also warned of violence and roadblocks in Jalisco and advised citizens to follow local authorities’ guidance. Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta, citing ongoing security concerns.

Amid the unrest, Mexico’s embassy in Washington sought to counter online rumors alleging that CJNG members planned retaliatory attacks against civilians. Officials described the claims as unfounded and identified a social media account on X as a source of disinformation.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as security operations intensify across western Mexico.

(Source: Anadolu Agency)