El Mencho’s Death Triggers Cartel Clashes Across Western Mexico

Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, during a raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and he died en route to Mexico City after being wounded. The operation sparked hours of violence, roadblocks and arson across Jalisco and other states, with airports and transportation disrupted as cartel members fought back. Authorities arrested two suspects and seized weapons, and Jalisco activated a red security alert. The incident involved disruptions to travel in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, with U.S. and international warnings in play. The CJNG has long been a major fentanyl trafficker and was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. in 2025.