Nemesio Rubn Oseguera Cervantes, the elusive cartel leader known as “El Mencho” and one of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers, has been killed during a Mexican security operation in the western state of Jalisco, according to Mexican Defence Ministry.
The Mexico Defence Ministry confirmed that the 59-year-old fugitive drug lord died from injuries during air transfer after military operation
El Mencho’s organisation, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), grew into Mexico’s most powerful criminal group over the past decade and a major supplier of drugs to the United States.
President Claudia Sheinbaum avoided confirming the killing of El Mencho. When questioned, she said that the Security Cabinet will be the one to provide information on the matter.
CHAOS ERUPTS ACROSS MEXICO
Reports of Oseguera’s killing triggered violence across several CJNG stronghold states, with gunmen burning vehicles and blocking major roads in coordinated reprisals, authorities said.
Buses, trucks and cars were set ablaze across Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacn and Tamaulipas, local media and officials said, while residents in Guadalajara fled streets and transport hubs fearing reprisals.
Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro said the state remained under a “Code Red” security alert and urged residents to remain indoors. Public transport was suspended in parts of the region and travel on state highways was discouraged due to ongoing clashes.
“We remain in Code Red. We reiterate the recommendation to avoid leaving your homes. The clashes are occurring in several federal entities,” Lemus said.
Local media reported Oseguera was killed during a federal operation in or near Tapalpa, a mountainous town about 80 miles south-west of Guadalajara. Video circulating in regional media appeared to show heavy gunfire and security deployments in the area.
CJNG has long been rooted in rural Jalisco, where Oseguera — once a local police officer — rose to lead a cartel network that relied on military-style force and brutal intimidation to seize territory and control trafficking routes.
The United States had offered a $15m reward for information leading to his capture or conviction, accusing him of orchestrating shipments of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl into North America.
US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, said killing of drug lord Oseguera “El Mencho” is a major development for Mexico, the US, Latin America and the world.
REPORTS OF GUNFIRE AT AIRPORT
Unverified reports and online posts claimed armed men attempted to enter areas near Guadalajara International Airport and that gunfire was heard inside the facility, prompting passengers and staff to flee. Authorities have not confirmed any cartel seizure of the airport or hostage-taking incidents.
US conservative commentator Laura Loomer posted claims on social media alleging cartel gunmen targeted American tourists following the operation. Mexican and US officials have not substantiated those assertions.
US ISSUES SECURITY ALERT
The US State Department warned American citizens in several Mexican states to shelter in place due to ongoing security operations, road blockages and criminal activity. The advisory covered Jalisco as well as parts of Tamaulipas, Michoacn, Guerrero and Nuevo León.
The US embassy in Mexico City issued a similar alert earlier in the day, citing security risks linked to the unrest.
Under Oseguera’s leadership, CJNG evolved from a regional faction into a transnational trafficking network known for heavy weaponry, military-style convoys and public displays of violence intended to intimidate rivals and authorities.
While less globally recognised than the Sinaloa cartel once led by Joaqun “El Chapo” Guzmn, CJNG became synonymous within Mexico with brutal enforcement tactics and rapid territorial expansion.
With inputs from agencies
