Feb 22 • 17:52 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Nemesio Oseguera, ‘El Mencho’, the most wanted drug lord, falls in a security operation

Nemesio Oseguera, also known as 'El Mencho', the leader of Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel, has been killed in a military operation in Jalisco state after evading justice for decades.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as 'El Mencho', was killed by military forces in the mountains of Jalisco state, Mexico. This operation marks a significant moment in the fight against drug trafficking in the country, as El Mencho was considered the most dangerous and sought-after drug lord globally, heading the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), notorious for its violent practices and extensive drug trafficking network. For years, he escaped law enforcement, orchestrating crimes from behind the scenes, which allowed his cartel to become one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico.

The implications of El Mencho's death are profound, potentially impacting the power dynamics within the CJNG and among rival cartels. His leadership was characterized by extreme violence and aggressive expansion tactics, which were key to the CJNG’s rise. Following his death, reports indicate that violent reactions have erupted in various states across Mexico, hinting at potential retaliatory measures by cartel members or rival factions looking to fill the void left by his absence.

Authorities have urged vigilance as they expect chaos in the wake of this significant law enforcement operation. The struggle against cartel violence in Mexico remains a top priority for the government, as it continues to grapple with the challenges posed by drug trafficking organizations that have, for years, undermined public safety and governance. The outcome of El Mencho's demise could herald either increased instability or provide an opportunity for law enforcement to regain control in regions affected by cartel influence.

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