Mexican army confirms death of drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera

• Mexican army confirms death of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera during operation in Jalisco.

The Mexican army confirmed Sunday that Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” was killed during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco, delivering a major blow to organized crime in Mexico.

Oseguera, the long‑time leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations, was reportedly wounded in a raid by Mexican security forces in the mountainous town of Tapalpa and died while being flown to Mexico City for medical treatment, the Defence Ministry said.

The operation, backed by intelligence support from the United States, aimed to capture Oseguera but resulted in an intense firefight with cartel members. The death marks the most significant takedown of a Mexican drug kingpin since the capture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

Following the announcement, chaos erupted across several states including Jalisco, with cartel operatives setting vehicles on fire and blocking major roads in an apparent attempt to hinder security forces. Authorities in cities such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta urged residents to stay indoors as violence spread.

Oseguera’s CJNG is notorious for its brutal tactics, extensive drug trafficking network and use of military‑style weaponry. The cartel has been a major supplier of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other illicit drugs into the United States.

The United States and Canadian embassies issued safety alerts for their citizens in the region, and several airlines temporarily suspended flights to and from affected areas.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has not yet released an official statement, but the government’s confirmation of Oseguera’s death is expected to reshape the landscape of cartel violence in the country.