(Image source from: Muscatdaily.com)
Mexican officials reported that Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, or El Mencho, Mexico's top drug boss, passed away after being hurt during a military action in Mexico. This event also led to violent reactions from his cartel in several states. Authorities stated that information about his girlfriend's movements allowed security forces to locate the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) near Tapalpa, Jalisco, a town in the mountains. He was wounded in a fight with soldiers and died while being transported to a hospital with two bodyguards. Mexico's Defence Minister Ricardo Trevilla explained that investigators identified a close associate connected to one of Oseguera's partners and tracked her to a secluded property. After she left, officials believed the cartel leader was still inside, heavily protected, and quickly launched an attack. The next day, security forces surrounded the property. Oseguera's loyal gunmen started shooting and retreated with him into a nearby forest. Soldiers later discovered him severely injured with members of his close group.
The injured individuals were flown out by helicopter but did not make it. "Sadly, they died during the trip," Trevilla announced at a government meeting. Information helped confirm where the hideout was. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated firmly that American soldiers did not take part in the operation. Soon after the raid, CJNG members carried out planned attacks in many areas, blocking roads, burning cars, attacking businesses, and shooting at police and military. Security Minister Omar Garca Harfuch reported that at least 25 National Guard members died in attacks in Jalisco state on Sunday, along with about 30 suspected cartel members. Many more people were arrested in several states as authorities worked to control the chaos. The violence was also ordered by high-ranking CJNG members trying to disrupt the government's response. Oseguera's supposed finance head, known as El Tuli, was reportedly killed in a different fight with soldiers.
President Sheinbaum tried to assure everyone that the situation was becoming stable after the first wave of violence. "The most important thing now is to ensure peace and safety for all people in Mexico," she said. "Today is more peaceful." Over time, Oseguera made the CJNG one of Mexico's strongest criminal organizations, expanding its influence throughout much of the country and being very involved in smuggling fentanyl and other drugs into the United States.
