A federal official in Mexico has confirmed that the Mexican army successfully killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as "El Mencho," the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military operation on Sunday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization for public statements, revealed that the incident occurred in the western state of Jalisco, a stronghold of the cartel.
Operation Details and Cartel Tactics
The operation followed several hours of intense roadblocks across Jalisco and other states, where burning vehicles were used to obstruct military movements. Such tactics are commonly employed by cartels in Mexico to impede security forces and create chaos during confrontations. The use of these blockades highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating organized crime groups in the region.
International Implications and U.S. Involvement
El Mencho was a high-priority target for international law enforcement, with the U.S. State Department offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest. In February, the Trump administration designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, underscoring its significant threat to regional stability and security. This designation reflects the cartel's extensive influence and violent activities, which have impacted both Mexico and the United States.
The killing of El Mencho marks a major development in Mexico's efforts to dismantle powerful drug cartels, though it remains to be seen how this will affect the cartel's operations and the broader landscape of organized crime in the country. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they assess the aftermath of this significant military action.
