Mexico is facing a wave of grief and tension after a major security operation killed the country’s most wanted cartel leader but was followed by deadly retaliation that claimed the lives of at least 25 National Guard officers, according to Reuters.
Authorities say the operation that led to the death of Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho”, unfolded on Sunday in the wooded hills near the town of Tapalpa, in the western state of Jalisco. Oseguera was the founder and leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), long considered one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminal groups.
Mexican defence officials said intelligence linked to a confidante of one of Oseguera’s romantic partners revealed his location at a rural compound. Special forces moved swiftly, launching a raid the following day. As troops approached, cartel gunmen opened fire, triggering a fierce clash that spilled into nearby cabin grounds.
Oseguera was seriously wounded in the fighting, along with two bodyguards. All three were airlifted toward Mexico City for treatment but died before reaching hospital, Defence Minister Ricardo Trevilla said.
The cartel leader’s death set off violent reprisals across several regions. Armed groups loyal to CJNG blocked highways, torched vehicles and attacked security forces. Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said at least 30 suspected cartel members and one civilian were killed in the unrest, while more than 70 people were arrested in seven states.
Among those killed was a senior CJNG figure known as “El Tuli,” described as Oseguera’s financial chief, who died in a separate clash as authorities tried to capture him.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said order was gradually returning and stressed that Mexico had led the operation, though U.S. intelligence helped identify the target location. U.S. President Donald Trump urged Mexico to intensify its fight against cartels.
Oseguera’s death is seen as a major blow to CJNG, believed to be a leading supplier of fentanyl to the United States. Yet the aftermath also revealed the cartel’s reach: dozens of roadblocks disrupted travel, flights were cancelled and financial markets reacted nervously.
For Mexico, the moment is both victory and warning, proof that even the fall of a powerful crime boss can echo in violence far beyond the battlefield.
