News Desk (MNN); Mexico’s Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch has confirmed that 25 members of the National Guard and one security guard were killed in cartel attacks after the capture and subsequent death of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.”
Oseguera, considered Mexico’s most-wanted drug lord, led the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. According to Mexico’s defence ministry, he died in custody after sustaining injuries during a military operation carried out by Mexican special forces in the town of Tapalpa, located in Jalisco state.
Mexico’s Defence Minister Ricardo Trevilla stated that information leading to Oseguera’s capture and death was obtained through one of his romantic partners. The United States had offered a $15 million reward for information resulting in his arrest.
His death sparked a surge of violence across several regions, with cartel members blocking highways, setting vehicles on fire and launching retaliatory assaults.
Harfuch reported that the killing of El Mencho led to 27 attacks against authorities in Jalisco. In the ensuing clashes, 30 cartel operatives and one civilian bystander were also killed, while at least 70 suspects were arrested across seven states.
Authorities are closely monitoring potential retaliation or restructuring within the cartel that could result in further unrest, the minister added.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Mexico to intensify its crackdown on drug cartels, calling for stronger action against organised crime in a social media statement.
