Cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera killed in Mexico after visit from romantic partner
Raul Cortés, Aida Pelaez-Fernandez And Sarah Morland
Mexico City: A visit by the romantic partner of notorious cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” led to his capture and death, and 25 National Guard military police were subsequently killed in retaliation, Mexican officials said in their assessment of Sunday’s operation.
violence.
Oseguera, Mexico’s most wanted cartel leader, was the mastermind of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The US had offered a US$15 million ($21 million) reward for information leading to his arrest.
He died in a helicopter after being injured during a military operation by Mexican special forces in the woods outside the town of Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco, according to the Mexican Ministry of Defense.
Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla said information from a confidant of one of Oseguera’s romantic partners helped authorities quickly plan the next day’s raid on the crime boss’s compound.
During the raid, Oseguera’s gunmen opened fire on security forces, and the conflict moved to a cabin in the woods, where he was wounded along with two of his bodyguards.
The three were transported by helicopter to Mexico City, but they did not survive.
“Unfortunately, they died on the way,” Trevilla said at the president’s daily press conference.
Authorities said they found rifles with grenade launchers, rocket launchers and mortar rounds in the area. Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office said it is taking action in 14 states (almost half the country).
Violence is increasing
Oseguera’s death triggered violence across the country, with cartel loyalists blocking roads and burning cars in retaliation against the government.
Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch told reporters at the press conference that 30 cartel members and one bystander were killed in these attacks. At least 70 people were arrested in seven states.
In its statement, the government stated that no foreigners were harmed.
According to the Department of Defense, the attacks in Jalisco were planned by Oseguera’s right-hand man and top financial chief known as “El Tuli.” He was also killed in a clash with security forces while trying to arrest him.
Garcia added that authorities are closely monitoring any backlash or restructuring within the cartel that could lead to more violence. “Many leaders of this criminal organization already have special surveillance,” he said.
Officials said U.S. intelligence was used to pinpoint the Tapalpa compound but emphasized that Mexico directed the operation.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said, “There was no participation in this operation by US forces. There was only an exchange of information.”
Trump calls for more efforts
Trevilla broke down in tears as he offered his condolences to the relatives of Mexican security guards who died Sunday after authorities set up at least 85 roadblocks.
throughout Mexico.
The flare-ups caused several airlines, including American Airlines and Air Canada, to cancel flights on Sunday. On Monday, shares of Mexican airline Volaris and airport operators GAP and ASUR fell more than 4 percent.
Sheinbaum said the situation has returned to normal and his government’s priority is to ensure peace and security. Trump on Monday called on Mexico to step up its efforts targeting drug cartels, writing on social media: “Mexico must step up its efforts on Cartels and Drugs!”
Oseguera’s death dealt a major blow to the CJNG cartel, which is believed to be a major supplier of fentanyl to the United States.
While Washington has been pushing Mexico to take more action against drug trafficking, Mexican officials have long called on the United States to do more to limit illegal firearm sales that support the vast arsenal of cartels operating on its territory.
According to US government data, 70 percent of illegal weapons traced in Mexico come from the United States.
Reuters
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