New Delhi. The Mexican government claims to have killed Nemesio Oseguera Ruben Cervantes, alias ‘El Mencho,’ one of the world’s most wanted drug lords, in a major military operation. He was the head of the notorious El Mencho Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), considered one of the most violent criminal organizations globally.

The US had placed a bounty of approximately $15 million on him. The operation took place in the Tapalpa region of Jalisco state—the same area where he started his criminal network.

Clue found through surveillance of girlfriend

To reach El Mencho, who had been eluding security agencies for years, intelligence agencies monitored the activities of his close female associate.
During the investigation, a trusted contact was tracked, who led them to a secure compound in a mountainous area. The woman’s escape quickly convinced the army that El Mencho was hiding inside. Subsequently, a special operation was launched in the early hours, cordoning off the entire area.

Heavy firing in the encounter

As soon as security forces arrived, cartel members opened fire indiscriminately. El Mencho was seriously injured in the retaliatory fire. He was being transported to Mexico City for treatment, but died on the way. Nine cartel members were killed in the encounter, while two were arrested. Military forces recovered armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and a large quantity of modern weapons from the scene.

President’s reaction
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the military, calling the operation a great success and appealing to citizens to maintain peace.

Violence in several cities after death
As news of El Mencho’s death spread, cartel supporters reacted violently in several areas.
Roadblocks were set up by burning vehicles.
Plumes of smoke were seen over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, while incidents of arson and vandalism were also reported in Guadalajara. Several international flights were cancelled for security reasons, and foreign nationals were advised to remain vigilant.

US pressure and intelligence cooperation
The operation occurred at a time when US President Donald Trump was pressuring Mexico to take a tougher stance against drug cartels.
Although Mexico carried out the operation, US agencies—particularly the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)—shared crucial intelligence.

US authorities have described El Mencho as the mastermind behind a massive fentanyl trafficking network.

How dangerous was the CJNG network?
El Mencho served prison time in the US in the 1990s for drug trafficking. After his release, he founded the CJNG and transformed it into an international network. The cartel was notorious for using drone attacks, landmines, and military-grade weapons. In 2015, the gang shot down an army helicopter. In 2020, the organization was also blamed for attacks on top police officers.
El Mencho’s death is considered a major success in Mexico’s drug war, but the violence that followed indicates that the cartel network remains strong and the threat of instability in the region remains.