Mexican Drug Lord ‘El Mencho’ Killed in Military Raid, Official Reports
In a significant turn of events, renowned Mexican drug lord Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho,’ was killed during a military operation. This operation took place on a Sunday in the western state of Jalisco.
Details of the Operation
According to anonymous official sources, the military action was executed following several hours of roadblocks set up by burning vehicles. These tactics are often employed by cartels to disrupt military initiatives.
Chaos in Jalisco
Videos circulating on social media captured smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta, a prominent city in Jalisco. Many people were seen fleeing in panic from the state’s capital airport.
- Air Canada announced the suspension of flights to Puerto Vallarta due to ongoing security concerns.
- The U.S. State Department previously offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to El Mencho’s arrest.
- El Mencho has faced multiple indictments in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia since 2017.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is recognized as one of Mexico’s most influential criminal organizations. It has rapidly expanded its reach and operations across the nation.
Notable Incidents and Impacts
In February, the Trump administration labeled the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization. Their violent tactics were highlighted in a notorious assassination attempt in 2020 against the then-head of Mexico City’s police, featuring grenades and high-powered firearms.
- The DEA considers the CJNG to rival the Sinaloa cartel, another leading criminal group in Mexico.
- It has established a presence in all 50 U.S. states, exporting large quantities of drugs.
- The cartel is a primary supplier of cocaine and significantly profits from the production of methamphetamines and fentanyl.
This recent operation marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against powerful drug cartels in Mexico, with ramifications that extend across the border into the United States.
