A former police officer killed in Mexico was a drug lord who led a cartel with almost its own army
Significant unrest erupted in Mexico following the killing of a major drug cartel leader, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 National Guard soldiers.
Mexico is experiencing increased unrest after elite forces killed a prominent drug cartel leader known as 'El Mencho', born Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes. This operation resulted in violent clashes with criminal groups, leading to the deaths of at least 25 National Guard soldiers. Known to lead the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), 'El Mencho' has been a key figure in Mexico's ongoing struggle against drug-related violence and was considered one of the most wanted drug lords not just in Mexico but globally.
The killing of 'El Mencho' marks a significant milestone in Mexico's war on drugs, given that the CJNG has become one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the country in recent years. The cartel has been heavily armed and has operated with a level of impunity that has raised concerns about the rule of law in the region. The United States had previously offered a reward of 15 million dollars for information leading to 'El Mencho's' arrest, which underscores the urgency and importance of tackling drug-related crime that spills over borders.
As experts suggest that the era of impunity for drug cartels may be coming to an end, the implications of 'El Mencho's' death could reverberate throughout the drug trade and impact ongoing operations against organized crime. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in Mexico as they contend with organized crime that possesses military-like capabilities.