Mexican authorities say intelligence linked to a personal relationship helped security forces locate and kill Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in an operation that triggered widespread retaliatory violence across the country.
Defence Minister General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo said investigators obtained crucial information through a confidante connected to a romantic partner of the drug trafficker, allowing the military to identify his hideout in the mountain town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state and plan a rapid assault.
Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho,” was wounded during the raid on Sunday. He was airlifted toward Mexico City but died in a helicopter along with two bodyguards before reaching the capital.
The United States had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
According to the defence ministry, cartel gunmen exchanged fire with troops as the operation unfolded before retreating toward a wooded cabin complex, where the cartel leader was shot. Authorities said the suspects possessed heavy weapons including rocket launchers, though they were unable to deploy them during the confrontation.
Read more: Ex-UK Ambassador Arrested In Wake Of Epstein Scandal
Eight cartel members were killed at the scene, officials said, and security forces seized ammunition, grenades and armoured vehicles.
Oseguera headed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, an organisation widely viewed by law enforcement agencies as one of the largest producers and traffickers of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine entering the United States. Washington designated the group a foreign terrorist organisation in February 2025.
The killing immediately set off coordinated reprisals. Cartel members blocked highways, burned vehicles and launched attacks against security personnel across multiple regions. Authorities reported more than 250 roadblocks spanning about 20 states at the height of the unrest.
Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said at least 73 people died in the fighting and subsequent violence, including security personnel, suspected cartel members and civilians.
Read also: Russia Intensifies Strikes Ahead Of War Anniversary
Among the dead were 25 National Guard troops killed in six separate attacks, along with a state prosecutor’s agent, a security guard and a woman whose identity was not disclosed.
He said the cartel carried out 27 attacks against authorities in Jalisco alone, while clashes in the neighbouring state of Michoacan left four additional suspects dead. More than 70 people have been arrested in connection with the violence across seven states.
Members of the National Guard were deployed to reinforce patrols and restore order as authorities sought to prevent further retaliation. Officials said they were closely watching for any internal power struggle within the organisation that could lead to additional conflict.
President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the military operation and said security conditions were stabilising after the initial unrest. She reported that roadblocks had been cleared and described the country as calm, while stressing the government’s priority was to ensure safety for the population.
The United States confirmed it had provided intelligence support to the operation and commended Mexican forces for targeting one of the most wanted criminals in North America. Both countries have faced increasing pressure to curb fentanyl trafficking, which has been linked to rising overdose deaths in the United States.
International travel advisories followed the violence. The United Kingdom urged its citizens in Mexico to remain indoors in affected areas and avoid non essential movement, while monitoring guidance issued by local authorities.
Security analysts say the death of a cartel leader often produces short term instability as rival factions compete for control.
With several senior members of Oseguera’s family already imprisoned, authorities are assessing whether regional commanders within the organisation will attempt to assume leadership.
Mexican officials said security deployments would remain in place while investigations continue and authorities work to prevent further retaliatory attacks.