El Mencho was eliminated in a Precision Strike after an Intelligence Trail Led Through a Close Associate
In a dramatic turn in Mexico’s long-running battle against organised crime, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes — widely known as “El Mencho” — has been killed in a military operation after authorities tracked his movements through a woman described as one of his romantic partners.
Oseguera Cervantes, who headed the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), had remained one of the most sought-after fugitives in Mexico and the United States for years, repeatedly evading capture despite sustained surveillance and intelligence efforts.
How the Breakthrough Happened
According to Mexico’s Defence Secretary, Gen. Ricardo Trevilla, the decisive lead emerged when investigators began monitoring a trusted intermediary linked to a woman close to the cartel chief.
On Friday night, the associate reportedly escorted her to Tapalpa, a municipality in Jalisco state, where she met Oseguera Cervantes.
Security agencies had been waiting for precisely such a vulnerability.
Once the woman departed the area the following morning, officials determined they had verified his presence and began preparing an operation.
Mexican authorities also credited crucial intelligence-sharing from US counterparts, describing it as “highly significant additional information” that enabled them to narrow down his exact location.
Multi-Agency Operation Launched
With confirmation in hand, Mexican forces moved quickly.
The Army and National Guard established a ground perimeter, while six helicopters and elite special forces units were deployed across surrounding regions to prevent escape.
The Mexican Air Force conducted aerial surveillance to maintain visual oversight of the terrain.
President Claudia Sheinbaum was reportedly briefed continuously as the mission unfolded.
Before dawn on Sunday, troops initiated the strike. Officials said Oseguera Cervantes attempted to break through the security net alongside two bodyguards, while armed cartel members engaged troops in an effort to delay their advance.
He was killed during the confrontation.
A Major Blow to Organised Crime
The death of El Mencho represents one of the most consequential actions against a cartel leader in recent years.
His organisation had expanded aggressively across Mexico and internationally, becoming one of the most violent and influential criminal networks in the hemisphere.
Authorities have described the operation as a landmark success, comparable in scale to the recapture of Sinaloa Cartel figure Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán nearly a decade ago.
While security officials are assessing potential fallout, the operation marks a pivotal moment in Mexico’s campaign against cartel leadership structures.
