How cartel leader ‘El Mencho’ was captured, sparking violence throughout Mexico

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC) was killed after being captured during a military operation near his hideout in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, according to Mexico’s Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla.

According to Mexican officials, Oseguera died while being transported to a hospital. Eight other cartel members were also killed in what is being reported as a very violent battle between the cartel and Mexican special forces. 

Trevilla said that once officials knew his location after following a woman who is considered Oseguera’s partner, they planned the operation to capture him.  

According to Trevillo, on Saturday evening, six helicopters, army airplanes, special forces and members of the Mexican National Guard planned the capture. The helicopters landed close, but in other states. 

Once they confirmed Oseguera remained in the area, the army special forces were involved in a shooting between cartel members. After killing eight members of the cartel, they went after Oseguera, who ran into the field. After shooting ensued, two of Oseguera’s escorts, as well as Oseguera, were shot by the Mexican army. They were transported in a helicopter. As they were being transported to a hospital in Guadalajara, they died en route. Their bodies were then flown into Mexico City. 

“El Tuli,” who was Oseguera’s second in command and the cartel’s top financial and logistics chief, was killed in El Grullo. According to Trevillo, he was in charge of the retaliation in Jalisco, burning cars, attacking government buildings and blocking major streets and points of entry. 

Three army members were injured and one helicopter was also damaged.

The Mexican army received assistance from the United States through a task force collecting intelligence on drug cartels. 

At least 73 people have died, including security forces, suspected cartel members and more, according to AP.   

Violence has sparked throughout Mexico. Although the operation was successful, the aftermath ignited civil unrest with alleged gang members blocking roads, torching buses and businesses across the states of Jalisco, Colima, Sinaloa, Zacatecas, Quintana Roo, Nuevo León and several states from north to south of the country. 

On Sunday, the ports of entry from Mexico into the United States in Tijuana were closed. 

L.A. Taco editor Javier Cabral reported from Puerto Vallarta that he was sheltering in place while vehicles burned and explosions were heard in the beach city of the state of Jalisco, Mexico. 

The U.S Embassy and Consulate in Mexico issued a press release on Sunday due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity across the country amid the death of cartel leader El Mencho. 

The press release states, “U.S. government staff in Guadalajara (Jalisco), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco/Nayarit), Ciudad Guzmán (Jalisco), Cancun (Quintana Roo), Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo), Cozumel (Quintana Roo), Reynosa (Tamaulipas state), Tijuana (Baja California), and Michoacán will shelter in place and work remotely on Monday, February 23, and U.S. citizens should do the same.”

U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place.