Mexican security forces have killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the drug cartel boss known as 'El Mencho', Mexico's defence ministry confirmed. The operation, which took place on Sunday in the western state of Jalisco, also resulted in the deaths of at least six alleged accomplices. The killing set off a wave of violence across several Mexican states, with torched cars and gunmen blocking highways.
El Mencho, 59, was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has become Mexico's most powerful and notorious criminal organisation in recent years. The group is infamous for its ultraviolence and military-style arsenal. Four cartel members were killed at the scene, while another three, including El Mencho, died while being flown to Mexico City.
Two alleged cartel members were arrested with weapons that included rocket launchers capable of bringing down aircraft and destroying armoured vehicles. Three troops were injured during the operation. A Jalisco state official later reported that a National Guard member died in Tapalpa, six others died in Zapopan, a jail guard was killed in Puerto Vallarta during a riot, and an agent from the Jalisco state prosecutor's office was killed in Guadalajara.
The defence ministry said US authorities provided 'complementary information' that contributed to the operation's success. The US had offered a $15m reward for El Mencho's capture, accusing him of smuggling large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine across the border.
The unrest forced US and Canadian airlines to cancel dozens of flights. Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta due to the security situation. 'Narco' roadblocks made from burning vehicles were seen across at least eight Mexican states. Schools were cancelled on Monday in several states as civilians hunkered down.
Senior US officials celebrated the killing, which follows months of pressure from President Donald Trump over drug and migrant flows across the border. Christopher Landau, the deputy secretary of state, called El Mencho 'one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins'.
