MEXICO CITY (CN) - Cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, was killed by the Mexican Army in a military operation in Talpa de Allende, Jalisco, Sunday morning, confirmed Mexico's Ministry of National Defense.
The defense ministry stated in a press release on social media that Mexico's Special Forces conducted an operation in the western state of Jalisco.
"During this operation, military personnel were attacked, and in defense of their integrity they repelled the aggression, resulting in four members of the 'CJNG' criminal group being killed at the scene and three seriously wounded, who lost their lives during their transfer by air to Mexico City; among the latter is Ruben 'N' (a) Mencho, however, the corresponding authorities will be in charge of the forensic activities for his identification," reads the statement.
El Mencho died of his injuries in military custody during his transfer from Jalisco to Mexico City.
On Sunday morning, Mexican news outlet already broke the news before any official statement had been made, causing uncertainty and panic as blockades had already spread throughout the region.
Pablo Lemus Navarro, governor of Jalisco, activated code red in his state in response to narco blockades, shootouts, burning vehicles and businesses in Jalisco in response to El Mencho's death that have bled over to other Mexican states.
Lemus Navarro issued all citizens of Jalisco to shelter in place and shut down all public transportation in Jalisco and service at Puerto Vallarta International Airport in Jalisco.
"I have given instructions to immediately set up the security committee with authorities from all three levels of government and to activate the red code in order to deter acts against the population," he wrote on social media on Sunday also before any official statement regarding the criminal leader's death had been reported.
Earlier on Sunday, Mexico's security cabinet issued a statement concerning blockades and violence in Jalisco without mentioning specifics.
"The security cabinet reports that it is addressing the roadblocks occurring in some areas of Jalisco as a result of operations carried out by federal agencies," reads the statement.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who is in the state of Coahuila, has not made an official statement but responded to questions captured by Mexican media that soon her security cabinet will inform the public.
A video circulating on social media show moments of panic inside the Guadalajara International Airport as the news spread of El Mencho's capture.
Multiple bus lines have been suspended all operation in the region as reports of attacks and violence continue.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a security alert in multiple Mexican states "due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice."
As of December 2024, the U.S. Department of State was offering $15 million for El Mencho's capture, whom it described as one of the founders and the current leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the most violent drug cartels in Mexico.
In February 2025, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was one of the cartels designated a terrorist organization by President Donald Trump.
Source: Courthouse News Service
