In a high-stakes military operation, Mexicos army has eliminated Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the infamous El Mencho, leader of the brutal Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The raid unfolded in the rugged hills of Tapalpa, Jalisco, where El Mencho sustained fatal wounds during intense gunfire and died while being transported to Mexico City. Authorities confirmed the death late Sunday, calling it a pivotal win against organized crime.

Special forces cornered El Mencho early February 22, sparking a fierce clash that killed several of his armed escorts. Known for transforming CJNG into a fentanyl-fueled powerhouse rivaling the Sinaloa Cartel, El Mencho evaded capture for over a decade despite a $15 million US bounty. His tactics included audacious attacks like rocket strikes on helicopters, cementing his status as Mexicos most wanted fugitive.

CJNG operatives launched immediate revenge attacks, igniting vehicles, barricading highways, and clashing with police in Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. Guadalajara saw the worst: burning storefronts, school closures, and shootouts near the airport, stranding tourists in resorts like Puerto Vallarta. Echoing a 2015 escape bid with 37 torched trucks, this wave has already claimed lives and paralyzed travel. President Claudia Sheinbaum deployed extra troops as violence mounted, with no end in sight.

​

El Menchos demise may fracture CJNG leadership, pitting allies against rivals like his imprisoned son El Menchito. It aligns with US pressure under President Trump to dismantle fentanyl networks, but history shows such takedowns often fuel short-term bloodshed. Local economies face tourism slumps and rising extortion fears, highlighting the cartels deep roots in corruption and poverty.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.