A video circulated on social media and republished by Mexican media shows the moments following the confrontation in the Sierra Sur of Jalisco in which "El Mencho" was killed.
According to confirmation from the Government of Mexico a few hours later, it was Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The images, apparently recorded by members of the federal forces, went viral almost immediately.
The military deployment can be seen in a wooded area, and the moment when the armed personnel secure the perimeter after the shooting.
Shortly after, the security cabinet confirmed that the kingpin had been injured during the confrontation and died while being transported by helicopter under military custody.
The trail that led to Tapalpa
In the morning conference led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the Secretary of National Defense, General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, detailed the operation.
According to the explanation, military intelligence was able to locate the drug trafficker on February 20 after tracking a man close to one of the romantic partners of the criminal leader.
The investigation led to a property in the municipality of Tapalpa, Jalisco.
On February 21, special forces from the Army and the National Guard confirmed that "El Mencho" was located there under a tight security circle. That same day, the intervention plan was designed.
The siege and the armed response
The operation began on the night of February 22 with a massive deployment: elite units on the ground, six support helicopters, and Texan-type tactical aircraft for air cover.
When surrounded, members of the CJNG launched a "very violent" attack, according to the official version, to facilitate the escape of their leader to a wooded area.
In the first exchange, eight alleged criminals were killed.
The pursuit spread through the underbrush. Oseguera and his personal guard attempted to hold off using high-powered weaponry, including rocket launchers.
One of the projectiles hit a federal force helicopter, forcing it to make an emergency landing in Sayula, about 35 kilometers from the main confrontation point. Three soldiers were injured.
The final moment and the transfer
After the exchange of gunfire, federal forces found Oseguera Cervantes injured among the bushes, accompanied by two bodyguards.
Military medical personnel attempted to stabilize them for air evacuation to a hospital.
However, the leader of the CJNG passed away during the journey.
"Due to the risk of violent attacks in Guadalajara, it was decided that the aircraft would be diverted to Morelia, Michoacán," explained General Trevilla.
From there, the remains were transported to Mexico City on an Air Force plane for the necessary legal proceedings.
Blow to the financial operator
In parallel, in the town of El Grullo, federal forces located Hugo H., alias "El Tule," identified as the financial operator of the cartel and suspected of coordinating blockades and attacks against government facilities.
According to the authorities, he offered rewards of 20,000 pesos for each soldier killed.
After attempting to escape and opening fire on the troops, he was shot down.
He had in his possession 7.2 million Mexican pesos and 965,000 dollars in cash.
Subsequent violence and human toll
The operation sparked a wave of violence in several states. Gas station fires, road blockades, and the suspension of classes and public events were reported.
During the day, at least 28 people died, including 25 members of the National Guard, a prison guard, a prosecutor's office official, and a woman.
Additionally, the Security Cabinet reported that over 40 alleged criminals died in subsequent confrontations.
The Secretary of Security, Omar García Harfuch, confirmed 27 attacks against authorities and the arrest of 70 individuals.
Support from the U.S. and official reaction
The Government of the United States congratulated Mexico on the outcome of the operation and confirmed that it provided intelligence information "within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation," according to official sources cited by EFE.
For her part, President Sheinbaum expressed gratitude for the deployment of federal forces and stated on X:
"The social media of the Security Cabinet provides constant updates. In most of the national territory, activities are carried out with complete normalcy. We work every day for the peace, security, justice, and well-being of Mexico."
A power vacuum
Considered the most wanted drug trafficker in Mexico, “El Mencho” led a transnational cartel that expanded its activities beyond drug trafficking to include extortion, human trafficking, and fuel theft.
As described by the newspaper El País, it was an organization “capable of assassinating judges, politicians, and military personnel, paralyzing entire cities, hiring foreign mercenaries, and bringing down military helicopters with cannon fire.”
His death marks the downfall of one of the last great drug lords with a traditional structure, but it opens up an uncertain scenario.
Analysts warn that the power vacuum could trigger internal disputes or an offensive from rival groups, while the government maintains a reinforced deployment in Jalisco and Michoacán in anticipation of possible reprisals.
Filed under: