The Mexican military on Sunday announced it had killed notorious drug kingpin Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, in an operation that triggered widespread violence across several parts of the country.
According to the army, the 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was wounded during a clash with troops in Tapalpa, in Jalisco state, and later died while being airlifted to Mexico City. The United States had placed a $15 million bounty on him.
In retaliation, armed men blocked more than 20 roads across western Jalisco, setting vehicles ablaze. As unrest spread, at least eight states suspended in-person classes, while judicial authorities allowed courts to close where necessary. President Claudia Sheinbaum appealed for calm amid the escalating violence.
Oseguera is among the most powerful Mexican cartel leaders to be killed since the arrests of Joaquin Guzman, known as El Chapo, and Ismael Zambada of the Sinaloa cartel, both of whom are serving prison sentences in the United States.
The military said the raid was supported by intelligence from US authorities. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Washington provided intelligence assistance.
Six suspected cartel members were killed in the operation alongside Oseguera, while three Mexican soldiers were wounded. Authorities also arrested two suspects and seized a cache of weapons, including rocket launchers capable of targeting aircraft and armored vehicles.
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