Mexican Army Kills "El Mencho" Mexico's Most Wanted Drug Kingpin

Samuel Perkins

Lead Reporter

On Sunday, February 22, Mexican security forces killed Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military operation in western Mexico.

The raid took place in Tapalpa, Jalisco, a town approximately two hours southwest of Guadalajara. El Mencho was wounded during a clash between cartel members and the Mexican Military. He died while being transported via helicopter to Mexico City for medical attention.

The military operation was supported "complementary intelligence" provided by the U.S. authorities, including the DEA and a specialized task force. Reports indicate at least 14 people were killed during the operation and subsequent unrest, including seven members of the National Guard.

The killing of the nation's most wanted drug-lord has trigged an immense wave of retaliatory violence across more than half a dozen Mexican states. Cartel operatives have set fire to vehicles and businesses at over 250 points across 20 states in Mexico, to block Military movement.

Along with this, major airlines such as Air Canada, United Airlines, and American Airlines, suspended flights to popular destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Many schools across Mexican states canceled school for Monday, and emergency alerts have been issued for citizens to shelter in place.