Mexican military forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” during a coordinated operation in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense confirmed Sunday.
In an official statement, the Mexican military said Special Forces of the Army — supported by Air Force aircraft and the National Guard’s Immediate Reaction Special Force — carried out the operation after central military intelligence efforts in coordination with the National Intelligence Center and the Attorney General’s Office (FEMDO).
During the operation, troops came under attack and returned fire.
Four members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) died at the scene. Three others were seriously wounded and later died while being transported by air to Mexico City. Authorities identified one of the deceased as “Ruben ‘N’ (a) Mencho,” pending formal expert identification.
Weapons Seized; Soldiers Wounded
Security forces detained two additional members of the criminal organization and seized armored vehicles and multiple weapons, including rocket launchers described as capable of downing aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.
Three Mexican service members suffered injuries during the operation and were transported to medical facilities in Mexico City for urgent treatment.
The military also confirmed that U.S. authorities provided “complementary information” within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation.
U.S. Deputy Secretary Confirms Death
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed the cartel leader’s death in a post on X.
“I’ve just been informed that Mexican security forces have killed ‘El Mencho,’ one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins,” Landau wrote. “This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys.”
Landau added in Spanish, “Los buenos somos más que los malos. Felicidades a las fuerzas de orden público de la gran nación mexicana.”
Cartel Retaliation Spreads Across Western Mexico
Following the operation, cartel members set vehicles on fire and blocked highways in Jalisco and neighboring states, including Michoacán, Colima, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, and Aguascalientes.
Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro activated a “code red” emergency protocol and suspended public transportation across the state, urging residents to remain indoors.
Violence spread to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, where smoke rose over parts of the city and disruptions hit the airport.
In Reynosa, Tamaulipas — across the border from McAllen, Texas — cartel members blocked roads leading to the airport and key access routes to international bridges.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo acknowledged the unrest in a post on X.
“The Secretariat of National Defense reported on the operation carried out this morning by federal forces, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions,” Sheinbaum wrote.
“In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality,” she added, while praising the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and the Security Cabinet.
U.S. Mission Issues Shelter-In-Place Alert
The U.S. Mission to Mexico issued a security alert advising American citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León to “shelter in place until further notice.”
“Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice,” the alert states.
U.S. officials advised Americans to avoid law enforcement activity areas, minimize movement, avoid crowds, and monitor local media for updates.
Airlines Suspend Flights
Air Canada temporarily suspended operations at Puerto Vallarta International Airport, citing “an ongoing security situation.”
Southwest and Alaska Airlines canceled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta. Delta Air Lines issued travel waivers for flights into or out of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
Background
Oseguera Cervantes led CJNG, one of Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations and a major source of fentanyl entering the United States.
The U.S. State Department had previously offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest. In February 2025, the Trump administration designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization.
Mexican authorities have deployed additional National Guard and Army forces to reinforce security in central Mexico and states adjacent to Jalisco.
