Feb 22 • 18:12 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Mexican security forces reportedly kill drug cartel boss ‘El Mencho’

El Mencho, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, has reportedly been killed by Mexican security forces, leading to immediate unrest in regions previously under his influence.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," a key figure in drug trafficking and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, has reportedly been killed by security forces in Mexico. His death was confirmed by various Mexican newspapers citing government sources, indicating significant implications for organized crime in the region. He was considered one of the most wanted drug lords, with a bounty of $15m from the US government for his capture due to his alleged involvement in smuggling large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine into the United States. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, under El Mencho's leadership, had become the most powerful criminal organization in Mexico, gaining notoriety for extreme violence and control over drug trafficking routes. Following his reported death, chaos ensued in several states across Mexico, including Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nayarit, and Michoacán, marked by burning vehicles and the establishment of narco roadblocks. This reaction underscores the extent of El Mencho's influence and the potential power vacuum that could lead to increased violence as rival factions vie for control. The implications of El Mencho's death extend beyond Mexico; it raises questions about the future dynamics of drug trafficking organizations in Latin America. While his elimination may weaken the Jalisco New Generation Cartel temporarily, history suggests that the power struggles that follow can often lead to further instability and violence in the region. As authorities assess the situation, the international community will be watching closely to see how this development may affect drug trafficking patterns, border security, and the overall landscape of organized crime in both Mexico and the United States.

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