MEXICO CITY — Mexican military forces have eliminated the head of one of the country’s most dangerous criminal organizations during a weekend operation, according to a federal government source.
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known by his alias ‘El Mencho,’ was killed Sunday during military action in Jalisco state in western Mexico, confirmed an official who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization for public statements.
The operation triggered violent responses across multiple Mexican states, with cartel members establishing burning vehicle barricades on roadways for several hours. These disruptive tactics represent standard cartel strategy for impeding government military actions.
Social media footage captured thick smoke clouds rising above Puerto Vallarta, a prominent Jalisco city, while other videos showed people running in fear through the state capital’s airport terminal.
United States authorities had placed a bounty of up to $15 million on El Mencho’s capture. His criminal organization ranks among Mexico’s most influential and rapidly expanding illegal enterprises.
The Trump administration classified the group as a foreign terrorist organization this past February.
This particular cartel has distinguished itself through exceptionally violent military confrontations, including helicopter attacks, and has pioneered the use of drone-delivered explosives and landmine installations. The organization executed a brazen 2020 assassination attempt in central Mexico City, using grenades and high-caliber weapons against the capital’s police chief, who currently serves as federal security director.
Drug enforcement officials consider this criminal network equivalent in strength to the notorious Sinaloa cartel, maintaining operations throughout all American states where it moves massive drug quantities. The organization serves as a primary cocaine supplier to American markets and generates billions through fentanyl and methamphetamine manufacturing, similar to the Sinaloa organization.
