Mexico’s most wanted drug lord El Mencho dead, violence erupts across six states

Mexican security forces have killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. Authorities said he was wounded in a clash with soldiers on Sunday and died while being flown to Mexico City.

Oseguera, 59, had a $15 million bounty placed on him by the U.S. Department of State. He was widely considered one of the most powerful drug traffickers in Mexico.

Violence spreads across multiple states

The operation triggered a wave of violence across western and central Mexico. Armed groups torched vehicles, blocked highways and clashed with authorities in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacan, Nayarit, Guanajuato and Tamaulipas.

In Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco and a host city for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, residents stayed indoors as parts of the city shut down. Videos showed panic at Guadalajara airport and smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta, a major tourist destination.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to remain at home and suspended public transport. Schools were cancelled in several states.

Government response

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the armed forces and called for calm, stating there was coordination between federal and state authorities and that most of the country remained stable.

The Mexican Secretariat of National Defence said the raid was conducted with intelligence support from US authorities. Four CJNG members were killed at the scene, two died during transfer, and two were arrested. Authorities also seized armoured vehicles and heavy weapons. Three members of the armed forces were wounded.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the operation as a significant development for regional security. The US State Department issued advisories for citizens in several Mexican states, urging them to remain in safe locations. Canada also issued travel warnings, citing shootouts and explosions.

Flights and travel disruptions

Airlines including Air Canada, United Airlines and American Airlines suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Domestic and international services were disrupted, while taxis and ride-share services were temporarily halted in Puerto Vallarta. Several businesses closed operations amid security concerns.

Impact on cartel landscape

Oseguera co-founded the CJNG around 2007 and built it into what US authorities described as one of Mexico’s most powerful trafficking organisations. The group has been accused of supplying cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl to the United States.

Analysts warn that his death could trigger internal power struggles within the cartel. Oseguera’s brother and son are currently imprisoned in the United States, leaving no clear successor. Experts say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether violence escalates further.

The development comes at a sensitive time for Mexico, which is preparing to host matches during the FIFA World Cup, with Guadalajara among the host cities. Security officials are expected to increase operations to prevent further unrest.

Authorities in both Mexico and the United States have indicated that further measures may follow as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle cartel infrastructure and reduce cross-border drug trafficking.