Deadly Violence Erupts After Mexican Military Kills Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’
GUADALAJARA, Mexico — The killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has unleashed a wave of deadly violence across Mexico, leaving at least 25 Mexican National Guard troops and more than 30 criminal suspects dead in a series of brutal clashes. Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed the deaths Monday, describing six separate attacks targeting military personnel in Jalisco state alone, where the cartel has long held sway.
El Mencho was killed during a high-stakes military operation aimed at capturing him inside his home. The raid, conducted by Mexican forces with intelligence support from the United States, culminated in a fierce shootout that ended with the cartel leader’s death. Following the operation, cartel factions launched coordinated assaults against security forces, escalating the bloodshed.
In addition to the National Guard casualties, Mexican authorities reported the deaths of approximately 30 criminal suspects in Jalisco and four more in neighboring Michoacán. The violence also claimed the lives of a prison guard, a state prosecutor’s office agent, and an unidentified woman, underscoring the widespread impact of the unrest.
The U.S. government played a critical role in the operation by providing intelligence support, highlighting ongoing cooperation between the two countries in combating transnational organized crime. The Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal agencies have long tracked El Mencho as one of the most dangerous and powerful drug lords in the Western Hemisphere.
Following the surge in violence, the U.S. State Department issued warnings advising American citizens in Mexico to exercise caution, particularly in affected areas, and to follow shelter-in-place orders amid the clashes. The unrest has also disrupted daily life in key regions, including the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta, where residents and visitors have reported fires and lockdowns.
El Mencho’s death marks a significant blow to the CJNG, a cartel known for its aggressive expansion and firepower, including the use of rocket launchers and other heavy weapons. However, experts warn that the power vacuum created by his demise could trigger further instability and violent power struggles among rival factions.
Mexican authorities are now focused on restoring order and preventing the cartel from regrouping. The National Guard and military continue to conduct operations aimed at dismantling the CJNG’s network. The Secretariat of the Interior has pledged to intensify efforts to combat organized crime and protect civilians caught in the crossfire.
As Mexico grapples with this latest chapter of cartel violence, the international community watches closely. The collaboration between Mexican forces and U.S. agencies, including the U.S. Department of State, remains crucial in addressing the complex challenges posed by drug trafficking organizations.
The death of El Mencho, while a tactical victory, underscores the persistent and deadly nature of cartel violence that continues to plague Mexico’s security landscape.
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