Mexican security forces have killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', one of the world's most wanted drug traffickers, the country'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 59-year-old was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Mexico's most powerful and notorious criminal organisation in recent years.
The killing triggered immediate disorder across several Mexican states, with burning vehicles and gunmen blocking highways in at least eight states, including Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacán, Colima, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. The unrest forced US and Canadian airlines to cancel dozens of flights, with Air Canada suspending services to Puerto Vallarta due to the security situation. In Guadalajara, a 2026 World Cup host city, panicked passengers at the airport sought cover amid fears of reprisal attacks.
Three troops were injured during the operation and transported to Mexico City for treatment. A Jalisco state official, speaking anonymously, reported additional fatalities: a National Guard member died in Tapalpa, six other National Guard members died in Zapopan, a jail guard was killed in a prison riot in Puerto Vallarta, and an agent from the Jalisco state prosecutor's office was killed in Guadalajara. The defence ministry noted that US authorities provided 'complementary information' that contributed to the operation's success.
El Mencho's cartel, founded about 16 years ago, was accused of smuggling large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine into the US, and attempting to assassinate Mexican government officials. The US had offered a $15m (£11m) reward for his capture. Senior US officials celebrated his killing, with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau describing him as 'one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins'. Schools were cancelled on Monday in several states as civilians remained indoors.
