Mexican Troops Kill Notorious Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’ – Reports
Soldiers on Sunday reportedly killed one of Mexico’s most wanted drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
There was no immediate official confirmation from the Mexican government, but several media outlets reported that Oseguera, popularly known as “El Mencho,” was killed during a security operation. He had a $15m bounty placed on him by US authorities.
Mexican newspapers El Universal and Reforma, as well as the Televisa network, reported the development.
Oseguera is among the most high-profile cartel figures targeted since the capture of Joaquín Guzmán, known as “El Chapo,” and Ismael Zambada García, founders of the Sinaloa Cartel. Both are currently serving prison sentences in the United States.
Earlier on Sunday, armed men set cars and trucks ablaze in the western state of Jalisco, blocking several roads in what appeared to be a response to the military operation.
The tactic of burning vehicles is commonly used by criminal groups to slow down or deter security forces targeting high-value suspects.
The unrest reportedly spread to the neighbouring state of Michoacán, where the cartel also maintains a strong presence.
Formed in 2009, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel grew into one of Mexico’s most violent drug trafficking organisations, according to the US Justice Department.
US officials have accused the group of trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States and formally designated it as a terrorist organisation.
