Mexican authorities have confirmed the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), following a military operation on Sunday. The 59-year-old was tracked to a safe house near Tapalpa, a mountain town in Jalisco state, after intelligence identified a romantic partner's movements. Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo revealed that El Mencho was fatally wounded during the raid, which was supported by US intelligence.
The operation triggered a wave of retaliatory violence across western Mexico. Cartel gunmen blocked nearly 100 major roads, torched vehicles, and attacked security forces, particularly in Jalisco and Michoacán states. Security Minister Omar García Harfuch reported that 25 National Guard members and 14 others were killed, along with 34 gunmen and one bystander. Another 70 people were arrested nationwide.
During the raid, El Mencho's bodyguards opened fire, forcing a military helicopter into an emergency landing. He fled into nearby woodland but was wounded and captured, dying en route to medical treatment in Mexico City. Seven of his men were also killed, and two soldiers were wounded. Weapons including rifles and grenade launchers were seized.
Hugo César Macías Ureña, alias 'El Tuli', a close ally who coordinated the post-death violence and offered bounties for soldiers, was also killed in a separate confrontation. By Monday, authorities had cleared all blockades, but sporadic vehicle burnings continued in Michoacán, and schools remained closed in many states. Some airlines had not resumed normal services to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
Security analyst Stephen Woodman noted that the violence erupted immediately, with cartels having pre-arranged plans to cause maximum disruption. The chaos was compounded by misinformation, including AI-generated images, on social media. In Guadalajara, trainee doctor Tanya Dittmar described hiding in fear as a gun battle erupted near her home, lasting an hour before National Guard reinforcements arrived.
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated, 'Mexico is at peace, calm, and we are working in all the states,' as authorities sought to restore order. The US had been pressuring Mexico to take stronger action against drug trafficking groups, particularly those involved in fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine production.
