Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” was killed Sunday after being wounded during a Mexican special forces raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, an operation carried out by Mexican forces with U.S. intelligence support from a U.S.-military-led task force.
Oseguera, 60, led the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, a group long accused of producing and trafficking fentanyl and other narcotics into the United States. Mexico’s Defense Ministry said he died in custody after sustaining injuries during the operation. His body was transported to Mexico City in a heavily guarded National Guard convoy.
U.S. officials confirmed American involvement in the lead-up to the raid. A U.S.-military-led task force contributed intelligence support to the Mexican operation. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Trump administration “commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation.”
News of Oseguera’s death triggered retaliatory violence, with cartel gunmen blocking highways using burning vehicles and torching businesses across more than half a dozen states, disrupting transportation and commerce.
The operation follows previous high-profile arrests of leaders from the rival Sinaloa Cartel, including Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, both now imprisoned in the United States.
