Mexican Military Kills Cartel Leader El Mencho in Raid
One of Mexico’s most feared drug traffickers, Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho, has died after being wounded during a military operation, as cartel retaliation plunged parts of the country into chaos.
The 60-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel died in custody following a special forces raid in Tapalpa, in the Pacific state of Jalisco. His body was flown to Mexico City under heavy National Guard escort.
The operation marked one of the most significant blows in recent years against criminal groups accused of smuggling billions of dollars’ worth of drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States.
U.S. intelligence support
Reuters reported that a newly formed U.S. military-led task force contributed to the operation, which was carried out by Mexican forces. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later said the United States provided intelligence support and praised Mexico’s military for its cooperation.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has faced mounting pressure from Washington to step up action against cartels blamed for producing and trafficking synthetic opioids across the US border. U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration welcomed the killing, calling it a positive development for regional security.
Nationwide backlash
Following reports of El Mencho’s death, cartel members set vehicles alight, blocked highways and attacked businesses in more than six states, disrupting daily life. Authorities said no civilian fatalities had been reported.
In the beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, tourists described scenes resembling a war zone as smoke rose across the bay. Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico and American Airlines suspended flights to the area. Schools in several states cancelled classes as a precaution.
Sheinbaum said most of the country remained calm and promised further details from security officials. She has pledged closer cooperation with Washington while insisting Mexico’s sovereignty would be respected and warning against unilateral U.S. military action.
From officer to cartel chief
A former police officer, El Mencho founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and oversaw its rapid expansion into one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organisations. The group became known for extreme violence, forced recruitment and territorial battles.
Under his leadership, the cartel diversified into fuel theft, extortion, human smuggling and financial crimes. It also deployed drones in attacks in remote western regions as part of its territorial push.
Security analysts are now watching whether his death will fracture the cartel’s leadership and ignite prolonged internal conflict. Carlos Olivo, a former senior U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration official, said clashes between rival factions were likely and could persist for years.
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