El Mencho is killed in a military operation in Mexico and action against the cartel causes terrorism in Jalisco

The death of Mexican drug trafficker Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, was reported this Sunday by a government source with knowledge of the military operation carried out in the state of Jalisco, in western Mexico. The information was released by Reuters, which directly cites the official source. The episode occurs amid a security offensive against the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG), a criminal organization led by Oseguera and considered one of the most influential in the country.

According to local press reports, the action triggered a series of violent reactions, including roadblocks and vehicle fires in different regions of the state. The occurrences were recorded both in urban areas and on strategic highways, affecting circulation and raising the authorities’ alert level. Images posted on social media show columns of smoke and improvised barricades, a scenario associated with reprisals by groups linked to organized crime.

According to official sources cited by international vehicles, the operation aimed to capture the cartel leader, but he reportedly died during the confrontation with federal forces. The action took place in Tapalpa, a mountainous region of Jalisco known for serving as a refuge for members of the CJNG. Oseguera’s death is seen as a significant impact on the organization, which had been the target of joint investigations by Mexican and North American authorities. The drug trafficker was among the most wanted internationally, with rewards offered for information leading to his capture.

After the news broke, reports of attacks and roadblocks emerged, a tactic often attributed to criminal factions as a way of putting pressure on authorities or reacting to security operations. Road closures and riots were also recorded in locations close to the scene of the confrontation, with impacts on transport and the population’s routine.

“El Mencho” was identified by authorities as one of the main drug trafficking bosses in Mexico. At the head of the CJNG, he consolidated the group as one of the most structured organized crime organizations in the country, active in international drug trafficking and involvement in other illicit activities. The cartel has expanded in recent years and started to dispute territories with other factions, expanding its presence in several Mexican regions.

Public security experts estimate that the death of a high-ranking leader could trigger internal changes in the organization. In some cases, the fall of cartel bosses results in succession disputes and group fragmentation; in others, criminal structures maintain continuity through intermediate leadership. The scenario will depend on the CJNG’s reorganization capacity and the authorities’ response in the coming months.

To date, the Mexican government has not released an official statement detailing the operation nor has it publicly confirmed the circumstances of the death. Even so, sources present at the scene and international reports already classify the episode as a milestone in the strategy to combat drug trafficking in the country.

The climate of insecurity in Jalisco led to the reinforcement of the presence of troops and police forces in strategic points, with the aim of containing possible new clashes. The state has a history of violent episodes associated with organized crime, including armed clashes and retaliation for federal operations. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and adopt measures to restore normality.

There is no official confirmation, so far, of civilian casualties related to the incidents recorded after the operation. However, the images of burned vehicles and blocked roads highlight the scale of the criminal reaction and indicate that the episode could have repercussions on regional security and the actions of Mexican federal forces.