Jalisco, Mexico – A wave of violence has engulfed parts of Mexico following the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a military operation on . At least 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard have been killed in retaliatory attacks across the country, authorities announced .
Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, visibly emotional during a press conference at the National Palace, confirmed the deaths of the National Guard members. He also offered condolences to their families. Trevilla Trejo detailed how intelligence operations led to the location of Oseguera in the mountainous region of Tapalpa, Jalisco. “On February 20th, through Military Intelligence Central work, we located a man of confidence of one of El Mencho’s romantic partners, who transported her to a facility in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco. In that place she met with El Mencho, this romantic partner, and on February 21st she left the property and information was obtained that El Mencho remained in that place. He stayed there, with a security detail. On the same February 21st, the operation plan was carried out,” he stated.
The operation, which resulted in the deaths of Oseguera and six other cartel members, triggered a widespread response from the CJNG. The cartel erected over 250 roadblocks across 20 states, attacking military and law enforcement personnel. In addition to the National Guard members, a prison guard, an agent from the state prosecutor’s office, and a female bystander were also killed, according to Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch.
The CJNG, described as Mexico’s most aggressive gang, possesses a significant arsenal, including heavy weapons, rocket launchers, drones, and mines. The violence prompted local and foreign governments to issue warnings to citizens, with several Mexican states cancelling school on .
Authorities followed one of Oseguera Cervantes’ romantic partners to his hideout in Tapalpa, Jalisco, according to Defense Secretary Trevilla. Army and National Guard special forces encountered heavy gunfire upon arriving morning, resulting in the deaths of eight gunmen. Oseguera and two bodyguards fled into a wooded area, where they were fatally wounded in a subsequent firefight. They died en route to Mexico City.
The operation to capture Oseguera was supported by “complementary information” from US authorities, Mexican officials said. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Washington “provided intelligence support.” President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that no US forces participated directly in the raid.
The capture of Oseguera, who had a US$15 million bounty on his head, marks a significant blow to the CJNG. He was a founding member of the cartel, which has rapidly expanded its influence and notoriety since its formation in 2009. Experts suggest that the absence of a clear successor could lead to internal power struggles within the organization. “That opens the door to violent realignments within the organisation,” said David Mora, an expert at the Crisis Group analysis centre.
The violence has been particularly acute in Jalisco, with reports of vehicles set ablaze and roads blocked. In Guadalajara, the state capital, schools remained closed and public transportation was largely suspended. Residents formed long lines outside the few open stores, seeking essential supplies. In Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination, the situation prompted travel warnings from Britain, Canada, and the United States, with Australia urging citizens to exercise caution. Dozens of flights to and from the US and Canada were cancelled.
The operation comes amid increased pressure from the United States to address the flow of drugs across the border. While former US President Donald Trump has yet to issue a public statement on Oseguera’s death, he posted on his Truth Social platform, stating, “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!”
In Aguililla, the birthplace of Oseguera in Michoacan state, residents reported continued blockades and clashes. Photos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from the mountain village. A local resident, speaking anonymously, described a series of intense gun battles between cartel members and soldiers.
Authorities have seized a variety of weapons during the operation, including rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft and destroying armored vehicles. The CJNG has been classified as a terrorist organization by the United States, which accuses it of trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the country.
