Mexican authorities disclosed details of the ambush operation that caused Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the drug lord and leader of the "Jalisco New Generation" (CJNG) cartel, to be killed. They stated that a crucial lead came from a close associate of a woman who had an "affair relationship" with him.
Ricardo Treviño, Minister of National Defense, revealed that information from a close associate of one of El Mencho's female partners helped officials swiftly plan the assault on his stronghold in Tapalpa, Jalisco.
The operation began at dawn on Sunday (22 Feb) when Mexican special forces stormed and surrounded a residence in a wooded area, leading to intense gunfire that spread to nearby homes. El Mencho and two bodyguards were critically wounded and died during helicopter transport to Mexico City. The total death toll reached at least 62, including 25 National Guard personnel and 34 cartel members. Authorities seized rifles with grenade launchers, rocket launchers, and revolver-type grenade launchers.
After news of the death spread, loyalists of the cartel launched violent reprisals across more than 12 states, setting up 85 roadblocks and burning over 200 cars and convenience stores.
"El Tuli," El Mencho's right-hand man and financial chief, who was also killed during the operation, had placed a bounty of 20,000 pesos (around 40,000 baht) on military personnel to encourage cartel members to kill officials.
The violence directly affected industries in Jalisco, a hub for electronics manufacturing and agriculture such as avocado, berries, and tequila. Airlines canceled flights on Sunday; shares of Volaris and airport service providers fell by more than 4%. Foreign tourists in the popular resort city of Puerto Vallarta faced frightening scenes while traveling to the airport amid burnt car wreckage.
President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the operation was led by Mexico itself, with intelligence support from the United States, but no U.S. military personnel participated.
The killing of El Mencho, who had a $15 million U.S. bounty, is a significant victory for the Mexican government amid pressure from President Donald Trump. However, Trump continued to call on social media for Mexico to "step up efforts," while Mexico countered by requesting U.S. help to curb illegal arms trafficking, the main source of cartel weaponry, noting that over 70% of weapons in Mexico originate from the U.S.
/sourceReuters