Who was El Mencho? What drug lord’s killing means for Mexico | Drugs News
U.S.-Assisted Raid Leads to Death of Notorious Drug Lord in Mexico
In a coordinated military operation aided by U.S. intelligence, Mexican forces have located and killed one of the nation’s most wanted drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” The operation took place on Sunday in Talpalpa, a town in the southern region of Jalisco.
Following El Mencho’s death, violence erupted across multiple regions of Mexico, with gunmen igniting vehicles and erecting roadblocks in at least 20 states. Initial reports indicate that at least 14 individuals were killed in the subsequent unrest, including seven members of the national guard.
Background on El Mencho
El Mencho, aged 59 at the time of his death, led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has gained notoriety for its military-style tactics and vast arsenal. Originally from Michoacán, he is believed to have started his career as a police officer before transitioning into the drug trade.
His rise began in the 1990s, culminating in a U.S. conviction for heroin trafficking in 1994, after which he served nearly three years in prison. Over the years, El Mencho earned a reputation for his brutal methods, including sending threats to rivals and law enforcement.
Under his leadership, the CJNG has become one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations, engaging in diverse criminal activities such as fuel theft and extortion. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has designated the CJNG as one of the primary groups responsible for fentanyl trafficking into the United States.
Details of the Military Operation
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on social media that the operation was executed by federal military forces, with recognition given to the army and national guard. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the U.S. provided intelligence that supported the mission.
In total, three members of the cartel were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested during the engagement, though their identities have not been disclosed.
Impact of U.S. Involvement
Experts note that recent captures of drug leaders, including El Mencho, have involved U.S. collaboration. This underscores the ongoing need for effective communication and cooperation between the United States and Mexico to combat transnational criminal activity.
Analysts anticipate that while the operation’s success may bolster Mexico’s negotiating power with the U.S., it could also trigger retaliatory violence from cartel members. Concerns have been raised that this incident could lead to increased public murder rates, reversing a trend of declining homicides in recent months.
Response to Violence After His Death
In the wake of El Mencho’s killing, Mexican authorities have advised residents to stay indoors, particularly in Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital, experienced significant disruptions, including the postponement of several high-profile sporting events.
The U.S. embassy in Mexico has issued a security alert for American citizens in affected states, advising caution amid heightened tensions.
Public Reaction and Future Implications
Despite the violence, analysts suggest that the Mexican public generally supports the government’s actions against cartels. President Sheinbaum’s approval rating remains strong, reflecting public sentiment against the continued threat of organized crime.
As for the future of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the power vacuum left by El Mencho’s death raises questions about potential successors and the group’s next moves. Experts emphasize that addressing the complexities of cartel violence demands more than simply removing leaders; it requires comprehensive strategies that include prevention, community safety, and economic development initiatives.
