Mexico’s Secretary of Defence, Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, publicly mourned the deaths of military personnel during an operation that resulted in the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The announcement, made Monday, was accompanied by the immediate deployment of an additional 2,500 soldiers to the state of Jalisco, bringing the total federal troop presence to 10,000.
Trevilla Trejo expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing the operation as a success despite the loss of life. “A successful operation, it can be seen from many angles, but it is definitive that they fulfilled their mission,” he stated, visibly emotional, according to reports. The Defence Secretary confirmed that 25 military personnel died during the operation.
The operation, which took place in the mountainous region of Tapalpa, Jalisco, followed intelligence gathering that located Oseguera in a rural location. According to Trevilla Trejo, intelligence identified a safehouse where Oseguera was meeting with an associate on February 21st, leading to the subsequent raid.
The death of Oseguera, who had a $15 million bounty on his head, prompted a violent response from the CJNG. Cartel members blocked roads with burning vehicles and engaged in clashes with security forces. Reports from Guadalajara, the state capital, indicated school closures and disruptions to public transportation. Residents formed long lines at stores to stock up on supplies amid the unrest.
Violence also spread to the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, a popular destination for international tourists, prompting travel advisories from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Dozens of flights to and from the region were cancelled. In Oseguera’s birthplace of Aguililla, Michoacan state, residents reported ongoing blockades and gun battles.
The Mexican government stated that the operation benefited from “complementary information” provided by US authorities. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed US intelligence support, but President Claudia Sheinbaum insisted that no US forces participated directly in the raid.
Authorities seized a variety of weaponry during the operation, including rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft. The CJNG has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, which accuses the cartel of trafficking significant quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the country.
Experts have warned that Oseguera’s death could lead to a power vacuum within the CJNG, potentially triggering internal conflict and further violence. David Mora, an analyst at the Crisis Group, noted that the “absence of a direct succession” could lead to “violent realignments within the organisation.” Oseguera’s son, Ruben “El Menchito” Oseguera Gonzalez, was convicted in the US in September.
Former US President Donald Trump responded to the news on his Truth Social platform, stating, “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!” The Biden administration has not yet issued a formal statement.