Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has died following a military operation carried out by Mexican forces in the state of Jalisco.
According to Mexico’s defence ministry, the 60-year-old cartel leader was injured during a special forces raid in Tapalpa and later died while in custody. His body was transported to Mexico City under heavy security, escorted by the National Guard. The operation is being described as one of the most significant actions against organised crime in recent years.
US Intelligence Support Confirmed
Shortly after Mexican authorities confirmed the death, US President Donald Trump posted a brief message on Truth Social, stating, “We’re Winning too much, it’s just not fair! President DJT.” The comment triggered speculation about the extent of US involvement in the operation.
Mexico’s embassy in Washington clarified that the raid was fully planned and executed by Mexican security forces. However, it acknowledged that US agencies provided “complementary intelligence” under existing bilateral security cooperation agreements.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed intelligence assistance, praising the Mexican military’s execution of the mission. She reiterated that the US would continue targeting narcotics networks linked to fentanyl trafficking into American communities.
The statement stopped short of indicating any direct US operational role on the ground.
Rising Pressure on Cartels
The operation comes amid increasing US pressure on Mexico to intensify action against cartels involved in synthetic drug production and trafficking. In recent months, Washington has sharpened its rhetoric against criminal organisations, describing them as major security threats.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum now faces the dual challenge of maintaining sovereignty while sustaining cross-border security coordination with the United States.
Violence Flares After Operation
Following confirmation of El Mencho’s death, unrest reportedly erupted in several regions. Alleged CJNG retaliation included vehicle burnings, highway blockades, and attacks on commercial establishments.
In Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas, residents and tourists reported seeing smoke along major roads as security forces moved swiftly to restore order. Some airlines temporarily suspended flights due to safety concerns, while local authorities issued precautionary advisories in affected zones.
Despite the disturbances, officials stated that much of the country remained stable and that no confirmed civilian fatalities had been reported at the time.
Security forces remain on high alert to prevent further escalation. While the elimination of El Mencho marks a major tactical victory against organised crime, experts caution that cartel fragmentation can sometimes lead to short-term instability.
The episode has highlighted the sensitive balance between US-Mexico security cooperation and Mexico’s assertion of sovereign control in counter-narcotics operations.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
