Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes: El Mencho Reportedly Killed in Military Operation
MEXICO CITY – In a significant development in the fight against Mexican drug cartels, reports emerged Sunday indicating that Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco. A federal official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to publicly disclose the information, confirmed the news.
The operation followed several hours of widespread roadblocks orchestrated by cartel members across Jalisco and neighboring states. These tactics, involving burning vehicles and strategic blockades, are a common strategy employed by cartels to hinder and obstruct military movements. The CJNG’s attempt to disrupt the operation highlights the organization’s power and willingness to engage in aggressive resistance.
US Involvement and Rewards
The United States has long sought the capture of El Mencho, offering a substantial reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest. This underscores the US government’s concern over the CJNG’s activities and its impact on both Mexican and American security. In February 2020, the Trump administration took a further step by designating the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization, a move that imposed significant sanctions and restrictions on the cartel’s operations.
The CJNG has rapidly risen to become one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent cartels, challenging the dominance of other established criminal organizations. Their influence extends beyond drug trafficking, encompassing activities such as extortion, kidnapping, and human trafficking. The reported death of El Mencho could potentially destabilize the cartel, but experts caution that the organization has a deep structure and capable lieutenants who could attempt to maintain control.
Impact and Future Outlook
The implications of this event are far-reaching. While the confirmation of El Mencho’s death is still pending official verification, it represents a major blow to the CJNG. However, the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime in Mexico is far from over. The Mexican government faces ongoing challenges in dismantling cartels and addressing the root causes of violence and instability.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. This is a developing story.
Source: NBC News
