Mexican cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ killed in military raid
Mexican officials said Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as “El Mencho,” was killed during a military operation that sparked widespread violence across parts of the country.
Government sources familiar with the operation told Reuters that cars and buildings were torched in Mexico’s Jalisco state following the raid.
Mexico’s defence ministry said a shootout left Oseguera seriously injured and that he died during an air transfer to Mexico City. Oseguera, a former police officer, was the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
The Mexican government has intensified its crackdown on drug cartels following pressure from the United States, including threats of direct intervention by the Trump administration. Mexico’s embassy in Washington said the U.S. provided intelligence for the operation.
Security forces carried out aerial surveillance after the raid triggered unrest, with social media videos showing vehicles set ablaze and highways blocked in several states.
Mexican media reported that gunmen blocked roads in more than half a dozen states. Air Canada said it had temporarily suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta, while United Airlines and American Airlines also cancelled services to the region.
Mexican authorities urged residents to remain indoors until the situation was brought under control.
Reporting by Rachel Faber. Source: Reuters.
