In a significant military operation in the municipality of Tapalpa, Jalisco, one of the most notorious drug lords, known as 'El Mencho', has been killed. This operation led by special forces resulted in the deaths of several cartel members, including El Mencho, as well as injuries to three soldiers who were subsequently hospitalized. In total, six gang members were reported dead and two more were apprehended during the conflict.

The United States had placed a bounty of 15 million dollars on 'El Mencho' for his role as the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a group he founded in 2011. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau hailed the operation as a significant victory, expressing that the death of one of the 'bloodiest and most ruthless drug lords' represents a beneficial development not just for Mexico, but for the United States, Latin America, and the world at large.

This operation highlights ongoing issues with cartel violence in Mexico, where power struggles often lead to bloody confrontations between rival groups and government forces. As the country grapples with drug-related violence, the demise of prominent figures like El Mencho raises questions about the future of cartel leadership and the potential implications for broader stability in the region, indicating that while this may be a temporary victory, the underlying issues of drug trafficking and cartel influence remain prevalent.