Mexico’s Most Wanted Cartel Leader Killed in Security Operation

A wave of violence has spread across Mexico after drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed during a security operation to arrest him that involved U.S. intelligence support.

Oseguera, 59, led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and died after being seriously injured in clashes between his supporters and the army on Sunday in the town of Tapalpa, in Jalisco state. Mexico’s defense ministry said four cartel members were killed and three army personnel injured during the operation by Special Forces.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico confirmed that U.S. authorities supplied complementary intelligence to help locate and track the target. The U.S. State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to Oseguera’s capture.

Retaliation following his death spread to at least a dozen states. Armed groups blocked roads with burning vehicles, and reports emerged of gunmen on the streets in Jalisco and other regions. Eyewitnesses filmed plumes of smoke rising over several cities, including Guadalajara, which is due to host matches during the forthcoming FIFA World Cup.

The cabinet said 25 people had been arrested, including 11 for alleged participation in violent acts and 14 for alleged looting and pillaging. It added that shops were set on fire and around 20 bank branches were attacked.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a code red, pausing public transport and cancelling mass events and in-person classes.

Oseguera, a former police officer, led a criminal organization involved in trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States. The CJNG is known for heavily armed operations. During the raid, authorities reportedly seized rocket launchers capable of targeting aircraft. Previously, the group has been spotted using .50 caliber sniper rifles, improvised explosive devices and weaponzied drones.

A video published by Open Source Intel on X appeared to show Mexican forces deploying a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter armed with a minigun against cartel positions near the Ecoterra La Desembocada road. Mexican Special Forces units, including the GAFE, typically use the FX-05 Xiuhcoatl 5.56×45mm NATO assault rifle in such operations.