Mexican military officials carried out an operation on Sunday, February 22, against Jalisco New Generation Cartel Leader (CJNG), Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho”. Oseguera Cervantes was wounded during the operation and died while being transported to a hospital in Mexico City. His death has resulted in mass violence in the streets of over 20 states in Mexico by cartel members.
59-year-old Oseguera Cervantes has been involved in drug trafficking since the 90s and helped co-found CJNG with Eŕick Valencia Salazar in 2007. The CJNG is “one of the most powerful and fastest-growing criminal organizations in Mexico”, responsible for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and other drugs into the US. CJNG is also regarded as one of the most aggressive cartels due to the high volume of attacks on the Mexican military and their use of high-tech weapons, including high-powered rifles, rocket launchers, explosive drones, and mines.
The military operation took place in Jalisco, in the town of Tapalpa, during which over 5 people were killed. Oseguera Cervantes was wounded, arrested, and later died due to his injuries. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, military forces arrested 2 other cartel members and seized armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and guns during the raid. 3 military officers were wounded and are currently receiving medical treatment. They are expected to recover.
The US provided intelligence “via the Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel”, according to White House officials. However, no US personnel were on the ground during the operation. Considered a high-value target, the US had previously “offered a reward up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho”.
Oseguera Cervantes’ death triggered the CJNG to retaliate against the military, causing widespread unrest and violence across multiple states in Mexico. Vehicles are being set on fire to cause blockades, with over 250 blockades reported Sunday in 20 states across the country, according to Mexico’s security agency. Authorities have also reported that “25 members of the National Guard have been killed in Jalisco in six separate attacks”.
A state of emergency has been declared by Mexican leaders, and people are being instructed to shelter in place. Public transportation has been shut down, leaving many citizens and tourists trapped. Many airline and cruise ship companies have also temporarily suspended operations in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
