Mexican army eliminates Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader in targeted operation.
In a significant development in Mexico’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking organizations, the Mexican army confirmed the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This operation took place on Sunday in Tapalpa, a municipality in Jalisco state, approximately two hours southwest of Guadalajara. The Defense Department reported that Oseguera Cervantes was wounded during the capture attempt and subsequently died while being airlifted to Mexico City. His demise represents a significant blow to the CJNG, which has become one of the most dominant cartels in the country, particularly known for its production and trafficking of fentanyl and other narcotics to the United States.
During the operation, Mexican forces engaged in a violent confrontation, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals at the scene. Additionally, four people, including Oseguera Cervantes, sustained injuries that later proved fatal. The military noted that the operation succeeded in apprehending two other suspects and seizing an array of weapons, including armored vehicles and rocket launchers. Furthermore, three members of the armed forces were injured during the skirmish and are receiving medical care.
Following the announcement of Oseguera Cervantes’s death, an immediate wave of unrest unfolded across Jalisco, with reports of roadblocks and burning vehicles erected by cartel affiliates to impede military movements. Such tactics are characteristic of cartel retaliation against government actions. Schools were closed in Jalisco, and U.S. citizens were advised to remain vigilant and sheltered in place amid escalating violence in the region.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico stated that American authorities had provided vital intelligence in support of this operation, emphasizing the collaborative efforts in combating drug trafficking. The U.S. State Department had previously offered a reward of up to million for information leading to Oseguera Cervantes’s capture, highlighting his status as a key figure in international drug trafficking.
Oseguera Cervantes, age 59, is a long-time figure in the drug trade, having first entered the criminal realm in the 1990s. After serving time in a U.S. prison for drug convictions, he returned to Mexico, where he played a crucial role in the formation of the CJNG alongside Erik Valencia Salazar, marking a departure from their alliance with the Sinaloa Cartel.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is notorious for its aggressive tactics, including targeting military personnel and employing drones in their operations. The cartel has drawn comparisons to the infamous Sinaloa Cartel due to its extensive network and influence across the United States, making it one of the most formidable drug trafficking organizations in the world.
As Mexico continues to grapple with the complexities of cartel violence, the death of El Mencho may herald both a turning point in the current anti-drug strategy and potential ramifications for security in the region. President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico acknowledged the military’s efforts and called for calm amidst the turbulence, reaffirming the government’s commitment to combatting organized crime. However, experts remain vigilant, noting that the elimination of a prominent cartel leader often leads to violent power struggles among rival factions.
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