MEXICO CITY, Feb 22 – One of Mexico’s most feared drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho,” has been killed in a military raid, Mexican authorities confirmed Sunday.
Oseguera, 60, was the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). According to Mexico’s Defense Ministry, he died in custody after being injured during a special forces operation in Tapalpa, located in the western state of Jalisco.
His body was transported to Mexico City under heavy National Guard escort.
US Intelligence Support Confirmed
US officials acknowledged involvement in the operation. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States provided intelligence support.
The administration of Donald Trump praised the Mexican military for the raid, describing it as a significant blow to cartel operations.
President Claudia Sheinbaum, facing pressure from Washington to intensify efforts against drug cartels blamed for smuggling fentanyl into the US, has vowed cooperation while defending Mexico’s sovereignty.
Violence Erupts Across Multiple States
News of El Mencho’s death sparked immediate retaliation from cartel members.
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Highways were blockaded with burning vehicles
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Businesses were torched
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Violence spread across more than six states
In the popular resort city of Puerto Vallarta, tourists described scenes resembling a “war zone,” with plumes of smoke rising above the skyline. Major airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico, and American Airlines, suspended flights in the region.
Authorities have not reported civilian deaths so far.
From Cop to Cartel Kingpin
Oseguera was a former police officer who rose to power after founding CJNG in the early 2010s. Under his leadership, the cartel became one of Mexico’s most violent and diversified criminal enterprises.
CJNG expanded beyond drug trafficking into:
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Fuel theft
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Extortion
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Human smuggling
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Financial fraud
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Drone-based attacks
The cartel played a major role in fentanyl production and trafficking into the United States, generating billions in revenue.
What Happens Next?
Security analysts warn that El Mencho’s death could trigger internal power struggles within CJNG.
“There will definitely be skirmishes between the various factions, and these spasms of violence could last for years,” said Carlos Olivo, a former US Drug Enforcement Administration official.
The situation presents a political balancing act for President Sheinbaum, who must manage rising domestic violence while cooperating with US anti-cartel efforts.
Authorities are expected to release more details about the operation in the coming days.
