A significant military operation in Mexico resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This weekend’s raid involved the deployment of Mexican military forces, including the army, air force, and special national guard units, and was supported by United States intelligence.
The operation targeted Oseguera, who was known for his violent control over the CJNG and had a bounty of $15 million on his head. His compound, located in the rural town of Tapalpa, was heavily fortified, featuring military-grade weapons and personnel trained for armed conflict. Previous encounters with the cartel had revealed its access to advanced weaponry, including automatic firearms and grenade launchers, making traditional police raids unfeasible.
U.S. Intelligence Support
The U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel (JITF-CC) played a crucial role in this operation. Established in February 2023, the task force focuses on mapping cartel networks that pose threats to the United States, particularly concerning the trafficking of fentanyl and other drugs. Brigadier General Maurizio Calabrese, the director of the task force, emphasized the importance of understanding cartel operations, stating, “The cartels operate differently than al Qaeda or ISIS, different motivations, which makes it even more important for us to identify entire networks so that we can disrupt and dismantle them.”
While specific details of the U.S. intelligence shared remain undisclosed, Mexican officials acknowledged that supplementary information was vital for the raid’s planning. Tracking a connection to one of Oseguera’s associates led authorities directly to his compound, which was fortified against intrusion.
Operation Details and Aftermath
On the day of the raid, Mexican special forces moved in on Oseguera’s location. As soldiers approached, they encountered resistance from Oseguera’s armed guards, leading to a violent exchange of gunfire that resulted in the deaths of four cartel members. Reports indicate that Oseguera sustained injuries during the confrontation and ultimately succumbed to his wounds while being airlifted.
The aftermath of the operation sparked violence across Mexico, with cartel affiliates retaliating by blocking major highways and setting vehicles ablaze, particularly in the state of Jalisco. A shelter-in-place order was issued for Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort town located west of Tapalpa, amid fears of escalating violence. In the ensuing chaos, at least 25 members of the National Guard lost their lives, along with a prison guard and a state prosecutor’s office agent, according to Mexico’s Security Secretary, Omar García Harfuch.
The operation marks a significant step in Mexico’s ongoing battle against powerful drug cartels, spotlighting the collaboration between Mexican and U.S. authorities in tackling the pervasive issue of drug trafficking and cartel violence. As both countries continue to confront these challenges, the focus remains on dismantling the networks that threaten public safety and regional stability.
