Seven cartel members killed as Mexican forces target CJNG leader ‘El Mencho’
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed along with six other members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) during a military operation in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexican authorities said.
According to Mexico’s Defense Ministry, Army Special Forces — supported by the National Guard, the National Intelligence Center and the Attorney General’s Office — launched the operation to apprehend Oseguera. Troops came under attack and returned fire, killing four suspects at the scene. Three others, including Oseguera, later died from injuries sustained during the clash.
Two additional cartel members were arrested. Authorities seized heavy weapons and armored vehicles, including rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft. Three special forces soldiers were wounded.
Mexican officials said the operation was carried out solely by federal forces, with the United States providing intelligence support. President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed that no US troops participated in the raid.
Oseguera, a former police officer, built the CJNG into one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations after breaking away from the Milenio Cartel. Both the US and Mexican governments had offered multimillion-dollar rewards for information leading to his capture.
Violent backlash across several states
The operation triggered widespread retaliation, with road blockades, arson attacks and armed clashes reported in Jalisco, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas and other states.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a red alert, suspended public transportation and canceled public events. Schools were closed, and security forces were deployed to restore order. Authorities reported more than 250 roadblocks nationwide and multiple attacks on security personnel.
Mexico’s Security Ministry later confirmed Oseguera’s identity through forensic and DNA analysis. Officials reported 34 suspected cartel members killed and 70 arrested in related operations. Security forces also suffered casualties, including members of the National Guard.
President Sheinbaum said the situation is now under control, with federal and state authorities coordinating to prevent further violence.
International travel warnings
The surge in violence prompted travel alerts from several countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Italy and Türkiye. Governments urged their citizens to shelter in place, avoid non-essential travel and follow local authorities’ instructions.
Canada said more than 26,000 of its citizens in Mexico had registered with Global Affairs Canada amid the volatile situation, while airlines suspended some flights to affected areas.
Mexican officials rejected online rumors of planned attacks against civilians, calling them disinformation.
Despite the unrest, authorities say airports remain operational and security operations are ongoing as the country seeks to stabilize the affected regions.
