Mexican security forces have killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', one of the world's most wanted drug traffickers and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The operation, which took place on Sunday in the western state of Jalisco, also resulted in the deaths of at least six alleged accomplices, according to Mexico's defence ministry.
The killing triggered a wave of violence across several Mexican states, with gunmen blocking highways and torching vehicles. The unrest forced US and Canadian airlines to cancel flights, and schools were closed on Monday in affected areas. The defence ministry confirmed that three troops were injured during the operation, while a Jalisco state official reported additional deaths, including a National Guard member and a jail guard.
El Mencho, a former police officer who co-founded the CJNG about 16 years ago, was accused of smuggling large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine into the United States. The US had offered a $15m reward for his capture. Senior US officials praised the operation, which comes amid pressure from President Donald Trump over drug and migrant flows across the border.
