Mexican Drug Lord 'El Mencho' Killed in Military Operation

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, one of Mexico's most notorious drug lords and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed in a military operation on Sunday, marking one of Mexico’s most significant blows to organized crime.

Background and Context

El Mencho rose to power following the arrest of Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán, the former head of the Sinaloa Cartel¹. He built his criminal career by first joining the police and later marrying into a family of money launderers². The former avocado collector and police officer, known for his aggression and military-style arsenal, co-founded and led one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations³.

At the time of his death, Mencho was hiding as a poor farmer in a mountainous region, using disguises and frequently rotating his custody⁴. He carried a $15 million U.S. bounty⁵ and was sought after by both Mexican and U.S. authorities⁶.

Key Developments

The operation to capture and kill El Mencho reportedly began on February 20⁵, following a tip-off from the U.S. intelligence⁷. Military intelligence identified a trusted courier connected to one of Oseguera Cervantes’s romantic partners, leading to his secret rendezvous location⁵. The operation took place in Tapalpa, Jalisco⁸, and resulted in El Mencho being fatally injured in a clash with soldiers⁹.

Reactions and Aftermath

Following the death of El Mencho, widespread retaliatory violence erupted across Mexico⁸. At least 73 people died in the attempt to capture the notorious leader and the violent aftermath¹⁰. The violence included street battles, roadblocks, and setting vehicles on fire¹¹. Several Mexican states, including Jalisco, faced a state of emergency¹¹. Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and one of the largest cities in Mexico, experienced a day of empty streets, suspension of services, and looting of businesses¹².

The U.S. commended Mexican authorities for killing El Mencho, calling it a significant win in efforts to disrupt fentanyl production and trafficking¹³. However, the killing of El Mencho has ignited a firestorm of retaliatory violence across Mexico, leaving the nation in a state of paralysis¹⁴.

Current Status and Implications

The death of El Mencho is seen as a major blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, but it is widely believed that it doesn't spell the end for the powerful group¹. The cartel is expected to go through a period of reorganization, which may trigger a dangerous wave of violence in the country¹⁵.