Mexico City, Mexico – Web Desk: New details have emerged about the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, the leader of Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), revealing that the operation was enabled by tracking his girlfriend’s movements, Mexican authorities said.
According to international media reports, security agencies closely monitored the woman’s travel, which ultimately led to identifying El Mencho’s location in the Tapalpa region of Jalisco. Intelligence officials said a close associate transported the woman to the area, confirming the cartel leader was present there, prompting authorities to finalize a large-scale military operation.
Mexico’s Defence Minister Ricardo Trevilla said special forces launched the operation on Sunday morning with support from U.S. intelligence. El Mencho was located hiding in bushes and was injured along with two bodyguards during intense gunfire. He later died while being airlifted after being taken into custody.
The operation and subsequent violent clashes reportedly left more than 70 people dead, including security personnel, suspected cartel members, and civilians. Authorities recovered two rocket launchers, and a military helicopter made an emergency landing after being hit by gunfire.
Officials also said El Mencho’s close associate, known as El Tuly, had planned retaliatory attacks, road blockades, arson, and assaults on government facilities but was later killed in a separate encounter.
Mexican security agencies said violence continues in Jalisco and neighboring states, but El Mencho’s death is being described as a symbolic and major victory in the war on drugs.
