Mexican security forces have killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the drug lord known as ‘El Mencho’, Mexico’s defence ministry has 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.
El Mencho, 59, was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which had become Mexico’s most powerful and notorious criminal organisation. The killing triggered a wave of violence across several states, with torched cars and gunmen blocking highways. The unrest forced US and Canadian airlines to cancel dozens of flights, and Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta.
Four cartel members were killed at the scene, while another three died while being flown to Mexico City, including El Mencho. Two alleged cartel members were arrested with weapons that included rocket launchers. Three troops were injured during the operation. A Jalisco state official later reported that a National Guard member died in Tapalpa, six other National Guard members died in Zapopan, a jail guard was killed in Puerto Vallarta, 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, and senior US officials celebrated his killing.
