Mexican cartel leader “El Mencho”, also known as Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, was shot and killed last month. He was known as the United States and Mexico’s most wanted drug lord, and as the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC).
Law enforcement were able to track El Mencho using special forces backed by the National Guard, by receiving knowledge linked to an associate close to him. He was tracked to property in Tapalpa, central-western Mexico.
This killing created the biggest news in drug law enforcement since the recapture of cartel leader Joaquin Guzman, also known as “El Chapo” nearly a decade ago.
Soldiers, military aircraft, and helicopters surrounded the area for a planned raid before dawn. The cartel gunmen shot at soldiers, who returned fire, killing suspected associates of JNGC. Eventually the soldiers found El Mencho, but died during the flight.
This raid set off an angry and violent response from high powers in the cartel. El Mencho’s partner, known as El Tuli, coordinated attacks in Jalisco following the raid. According to authorities in Mexico, El Tuli planned roadblocks, and arson attacks on government facilities. This is causing violence is to spread across Mexico, including the cartel torching vehicles which are then blocking highways in multiple Mexican states.
Many precautions are taking place; schools and universities are closed for the safety of the students. Airlines have canceled flights to the affected areas, including Puerto Vallarta, a resort city located in western part of Jalisco. Tourists were told to seek shelter as they are unable to return home. There has been a report of death totals, to date, including the deaths of thirty suspected gang members in the cartel, twenty-five members of the National Guard, and one citizen.
The United States is actively working to put an end to the cartels, with the help of U.S. military forces set in Arizona, near Mexico’s border. Along with technical and financial support. Although one of the most feared members in the cartel has come to an end, the violence and chaos that continues to spread, will hopefully soon come to a stop.
