El Mencho Killed in Military Operation, Mexico Sees Fresh Wave of Violence

Mexico’s most wanted drug lord, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” has been killed in a military operation in Jalisco state. The operation was carried out by Mexican forces with intelligence support from the United States.

His death is seen as a major step in the fight against drug cartels. But soon after the news broke, violence spread across several cities in western Mexico.

Who Was El Mencho?

El Mencho was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most powerful and violent criminal groups in Mexico.

He was born in 1966 in Michoacán. As a young man, he moved illegally to California in the 1980s. He was later deported to Mexico. In 1994, he was convicted in the United States for drug trafficking and served three years in prison.

After returning to Mexico, he worked briefly as a police officer in Jalisco. Later, he joined criminal groups and helped form CJNG in 2009 after the fall of the Milenio Cartel.

Over the years, CJNG grew very powerful. It became a major rival of the Sinaloa Cartel, once led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), CJNG sends large amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States. The group operates in almost all 50 U.S. states and has links in many other countries.

The U.S. government had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to El Mencho’s capture.

How the Operation Happened

The raid took place in Tapalpa, a town in Jalisco. Mexican military forces, including the Air Force and National Guard special units, took part in the operation.

During the raid, security forces were attacked. In the gunfight, four cartel members were killed and three were seriously injured, including El Mencho. He later died from his injuries. Two other suspects were arrested.

Authorities said they seized armored vehicles and heavy weapons, including rocket launchers.

Mexican officials said the operation was planned and carried out by Mexican forces. However, the United States provided intelligence support to help locate the cartel leader.

The White House confirmed that the U.S. shared information to assist Mexico. Reports said American agencies had given detailed intelligence about El Mencho’s location.

U.S. Pressure and Terrorist Label

The operation comes after months of pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pushed Mexico to take stronger action against drug cartels.

Last year, the U.S. government officially labeled CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization. This allowed stronger legal action against the cartel and increased financial checks on groups linked to it.

Some legal experts have raised concerns about how far these actions can go under international law.

Mexico has also increased security at its northern border and sent thousands of National Guard troops to reduce drug smuggling.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo asked citizens to stay calm after the killing.

Violence After the Killing

Soon after El Mencho’s death, violence broke out in parts of Jalisco.

In Guadalajara, vehicles and a gas station were set on fire. Reports said there were gunfights and road blockades in several areas. In Puerto Vallarta, smoke was seen rising after explosions.

Around 20 state-owned banks were damaged, according to Mexico’s Security Cabinet.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico warned Americans in several states to stay indoors. Roadblocks also affected airport operations.

Airlines including Air Canada and Grupo Viva Aerobus SAB temporarily stopped flights to Puerto Vallarta.

Football matches organized by Liga BBVA MX were also postponed.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a “code red,” closed schools, and asked people to stay home. Hospitals and key services remained open.

Experts say killing El Mencho is a big success for Mexican authorities. But it may not end CJNG.

The cartel works like a network made up of many smaller groups. In the past, when leaders were arrested or killed, others quickly took their place.

There may be power struggles inside the cartel, which could lead to more violence in the short term.

For now, Mexico faces a tense situation. Authorities are trying to restore order while watching closely for further unrest.

El Mencho’s death is a major moment in the fight against drug cartels. But whether it will truly weaken CJNG remains to be seen.