MEXICO CITY — Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho" and one of the world's most notorious drug cartel leaders, was killed in a Mexican military operation, triggering widespread retaliatory violence that has grounded flights and shuttered schools.
The Mexican government announced on Thursday that Oseguera, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during the operation, according to the Associated Press.
Oseguera was wounded during the operation in Tapalpa, western Jalisco state, and died while being transported to Mexico City. Mexican forces killed four people at the scene, while three others, including Oseguera, died from injuries sustained during the raid. Two additional suspects were arrested, and authorities seized armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other weapons.
Jalisco state serves as CJNG's stronghold and a major hub for smuggling fentanyl and other drugs into the United States.
Following the operation, videos flooded social media showing smoke rising over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, civilians evacuating airports, and planes and vehicles engulfed in flames. Cartel members retaliated by torching vehicles and blocking major roads—tactics commonly deployed against government operations.
Jalisco state ordered schools closed on Friday and urged residents to remain home as violence spread. Public transportation was suspended in some areas.
Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, WestJet, and Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara in Jalisco state.
Major sporting events, including a friendly match between Mexico and Iceland, were cancelled. Guadalajara, the state capital and a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—which will feature South Korea—lies approximately two hours by car from Tapalpa.
The United States and Canada advised citizens in Mexico to monitor conditions and shelter in safe locations. The Russian embassy also urged nationals to postpone travel to Jalisco.
President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X: "We have perfect coordination with all state governments. We must continue verifying information and remain calm."
Oseguera had been involved in drug trafficking since the 1990s. He served approximately three years in a Northern California federal court for drug distribution conspiracy in 1994 before returning to Mexico. U.S. courts indicted him multiple times after 2017. The Trump administration designated CJNG a foreign terrorist organization and placed a $15 million bounty on Oseguera. U.S. media attributed the military operation to sustained pressure from Washington to crack down on drug cartels.
