Payam Javan: Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” the notorious head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a Mexican government military operation, according to the U.S. Department of State. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed the news via a post on X, citing anonymous sources and emphasizing that the elimination of El Mencho marks a significant victory against one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent drug organizations.
CJNG, established in 2009, has been recognized by U.S. authorities as one of the most aggressive and rapidly expanding criminal groups. The State Department had previously offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to El Mencho’s arrest. The cartel has been involved in extensive drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, oil theft, weapons trading, and violent attacks against law enforcement, often employing military-grade weapons, drones, and explosives.
U.S. officials hailed the killing as a major development that significantly weakens CJNG’s operations across Mexico and beyond. Landau praised the Mexican security forces’ success, calling it “a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world,” while acknowledging the potential for retaliation and violence following El Mencho’s death. The U.S. continues to monitor the situation closely amid ongoing security operations in several Mexican states.
The death of El Mencho coincides with heightened U.S. military activity in the Caribbean and Latin America, targeting drug trafficking routes and cartel operations. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has issued a security alert, advising American citizens in several states—including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, and Michoacán—to remain in safe locations, avoid law enforcement zones, and stay informed via media and local authorities. The overall situation underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle major criminal networks operating across the region.
