Nemesio Oseguera, alias 'El Mencho', one of Mexico’s most infamous drug lords, was killed in a military operation on Sunday, triggering widespread violence across the country.
According to Mexico's Defence Ministry, El Mencho suffered severe injuries during the raid by special forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and later died while in custody.
A former police officer, El Mencho was the mastermind behind the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), notorious for its brutal tactics, including forced labor and recruitment.
Under his leadership, the cartel expanded into a highly diversified criminal enterprise, shifting from drug trafficking to fuel theft. It also pioneered the use of drones in attacks against civilians, helping fuel its rapid territorial expansion in western Mexico, Reuters reported.
What led to Sunday’s raid
The military operation came amid growing pressure from the United States for President Claudia Sheinbaum to intensify her crackdown on drug cartels responsible for producing and smuggling drugs across the border.
Reports suggest that Mexican forces received intelligence support from Washington, with a US military-led task force playing a key role in the operation.
El Mencho’s body was transported to Mexico City on Sunday afternoon, escorted by a heavily guarded convoy of National Guard troops.
In recent operations, Mexican forces had captured leaders of the rival Sinaloa Cartel, including Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.
Killing sparks revenge attacks
Following the news of El Mencho's death, his supporters erupted in violence, blocking highways across multiple states and setting vehicles and businesses on fire.
Authorities have advised both tourists and residents to stay indoors as the unrest spread. Several airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines, and Aeromexico, cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort town in Mexico. Truck drivers have also been urged to take alternative routes or return to their depots until the situation stabilizes.
A CJNG member speaking to Reuters claimed that the violence was a direct response to El Mencho's death, and warned of more bloodshed as rival factions move to take control of his cartel.
US lauds El Mencho’s killing
The Trump administration praised the operation and the killing of El Mencho, calling it a "significant development" for both the US and Mexico, as well as for the rest of Latin America.
Trump had previously warned of potential military action in Mexico if Sheinbaum failed to take stronger action against drug cartels.
