Mexican authorities kill notorious drug lord El Mencho in operation

Mexican Authorities Kill Notorious Cartel Leader in High-Risk Operation

A high-risk operation by Mexican security forces resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC), on Sunday. The operation took place in the western state of Jalisco, where El Mencho was believed to be hiding.

According to reports, Mexican authorities received intelligence linked to a close associate of El Mencho’s and tracked him to a property in Tapalpa, central-western Mexico. Troops launched a predawn raid on Sunday, triggering hours of gun battles and a wave of violence across several states.

El Mencho, 59, was believed to be a former police officer from Michoacan, western Mexico. He built a vast criminal enterprise over more than 30 years, serving time in the US before returning to Mexico. El Mencho founded the JNGC around 2009, which expanded rapidly and became one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent cartels.

The operation unfolded as follows: on February 20, Mexican authorities began surrounding the site in Tapalpa where El Mencho was believed to be hiding, following new intelligence from an associate. Special forces, backed by the National Guard, military aircraft, and helicopters sealed off the area before dawn on February 22. Cartel gunmen opened fire as soldiers advanced, prompting security forces to return fire, killing several suspected CJNG members.

El Mencho and his inner circle fled to a nearby wooded cabin complex, where a second firefight erupted. Soldiers eventually found a wounded El Mencho alongside two bodyguards. The authorities airlifted him to a medical facility, but he died during the flight.

A US defence official confirmed that a US military-led intelligence task force supporting the operation had provided support. The raid led to an immediate response from cartel bosses, with security forces identifying a senior JNGC figure known as “El Tuli” as the organiser of coordinated attacks in Jalisco.

The killing of El Mencho has resulted in widespread violence across Mexico, with cartel members torching vehicles and blocking highways in several states. At least 30 suspected gang members, 25 National Guard troops, and one civilian have been killed in the unrest following the operation, according to authorities.

Source: Al Jazeera