Guadalajara, Mexico. Mexican authorities said Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho” and identified as leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a military operation in the state of Jalisco. Officials said the operation was followed by retaliatory violence in several states.
Death reported after gun battle
Mexico’s Ministry of Defence said the 59-year-old former police officer was severely wounded in a gun battle with the army and died while being airlifted to Mexico City. Authorities said the raid killed seven cartel members and injured three soldiers.
The operation took place amid heightened pressure from the US government on President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration to crack down on cartels. US authorities reportedly provided intelligence to help locate Oseguera, who had a $15 million bounty.
Retaliatory violence and transport disruptions
Authorities reported that armed groups set vehicles on fire, blocked major highways, and erected barricades in at least six states, primarily in the north and west of the country.
Panic was reported at Guadalajara International Airport after gunfire near the facilities led to terminal evacuations. Air Canada, United, and American Airlines temporarily suspended flights to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta due to instability.
Official advisories and US response
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to remain indoors until order is restored. The US Embassy in Mexico advised American citizens to seek secure shelter.
The operation followed recent threats from the Trump administration of direct US intervention in Mexico if drug trafficking operations were not intensified. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described Oseguera’s death as a “significant development” for the entire region.
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