❓WHAT HAPPENED: Mexican soldiers killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) cartel boss Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes in a raid on his hideout, following a tip-off involving one of his romantic partners.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Mexican military forces, El Mencho and his security detail, and U.S. intelligence support.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The raid occurred on Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, Mexico.
🎯IMPACT: The operation led to widespread retaliatory violence, with over 70 deaths, major disruptions, and increased security deployments.
The capture and subsequent death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes at the hands of the Mexican military on Sunday came—in part—through a tip provided by one of El Mencho’s romantic partners. According to Mexican military officials, the tip—along with United States intelligence support—allowed for the woman to be tracked to a wooded area near Tapalpa in the state of Jalisco, where El Mencho had established a safe house.
After confirming the cartel leader’s location, Mexican special forces launched an assault, resulting in the deaths of El Mencho and at least eight other cartel members after a fierce firefight. El Mencho was one of the most wanted drug lords by both the Mexican and U.S. governments, largely due to the cartel’s role in trafficking fentanyl into the United States.
General Ricardo Trevilla, Mexico’s defense minister, highlighted the importance of surprise in the operation, with some troops positioned along Jalisco’s state border to avoid detection. El Mencho’s bodyguards engaged the soldiers, and the cartel leader fled with his inner circle to nearby cabins before being apprehended. He and two others were gravely injured while being subdued and later died en route to Mexico City.
The death of El Mencho triggered significant retaliatory violence across 20 states, including Jalisco. Armed cartel supporters set vehicles and buildings ablaze, blocked roads, and disrupted daily life. Mexican authorities reported over 70 deaths during the operation and its aftermath, including 25 law enforcement officers. Additional security forces were deployed to stabilize the region.
U.S. intelligence reportedly supported the operation, providing a dossier on El Mencho to Mexican authorities. The CJNG, designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by U.S. President Donald J. Trump last year, has been a major target in efforts to combat drug trafficking.
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