Mexican forces located and tracked slain cartel leader to a remote cabin, according to officials.

In a significant operation over the weekend, Mexican security forces successfully located and killed the notorious drug kingpin Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as “El Mencho.” His discovery was partially attributed to the tracking of one of his associates to a remote cabin in Tapalpa, located in Jalisco state, where the confrontation took place. Following the operation, Mexican officials on Monday confirmed his death and noted the ensuing violence that erupted in response.

In anticipation of potential cartel reprisals, authorities implemented emergency measures, including the cancellation of school activities in certain areas and a strong warning for residents to remain indoors. Thousands of troops were deployed to Jalisco, a region strongly associated with cartel activity. However, Mexico’s president reassured the public that the situation was under control and that normalcy was returning.

During the operation, Oseguera attempted to evade capture but was pursued by security forces. As a result of a firefight with his bodyguards, eight cartel members were reported dead. Despite being wounded, Oseguera was initially apprehended in the surrounding woodlands but tragically succumbed to injuries en route to medical care, along with two bodyguards and a soldier.

The military initiative was a coordinated effort involving Mexican special forces, the National Guard, and the Air Force, highlighting what officials described as a demonstration of “the strength of the Mexican state.” Following the operation, however, violence erupted across the country, with reports indicating that the cartel retaliated by burning vehicles, blocking roads, and attacking various establishments. Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s security chief, reported a total of 85 blockades nationwide and additional violent incidents targeting authorities.

While the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, under Oseguera’s leadership, has been labeled the principal perpetrator of violence in Mexico, the United States Embassy took precautionary measures by issuing alerts across 18 Mexican states, advising Americans to stay vigilant and shelter in place due to increased criminal activity, particularly in tourist areas.

Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, experienced some of the worst disturbances following Oseguera’s death. The state’s governor declared a “code red” emergency, halting public transportation and public gatherings. Local reports detail scenes of chaos, with burned vehicles obstructing streets and residents complying with warnings to remain indoors.

Oseguera’s influence in the drug trade positioned the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a dominant force, eclipsing rival organizations, particularly the Sinaloa Cartel, in control of significant drug trafficking routes into the United States. The cartel is notorious for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics, contributing to the ongoing public health crisis related to drug overdose deaths in the U.S. As authorities continue to grapple with the aftermath of this operation, the broader implications for crime and security in Mexico remain a critical concern for both local and international stakeholders.

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