The Mexican Ministry of Defense on February 22 confirmed that Nemesio Oseguera - nicknamed "El Mencho" - had died after a military operation in western Jalisco state. The tycoon was seriously injured in a gunfight and died when he was transferred by helicopter to Mexico City.
Officials said the US provided "supplementary information" to serve the operation. A government source said that the arrest operation was chaired by the Ministry of Defense, but Oseguera was killed during the operation.
Oseguera is the mysterious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) gang - a criminal organization called the Jalisco state, where the major city of Guadalajara is located.
In just a short time, CJNG rose to become an international criminal empire, directly competing with Sinaloa Cartel, a gang once led by notorious drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman.
The death of "El Mencho" is considered a major victory in Mexico's multi-year anti-drug war. These gangs are accused of smuggling billions of USD of cocaine and fentanyl into the US market every year.
The campaign takes place in the context of US President Donald Trump's administration increasing pressure on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, demanding tougher action against gangs, and even threatening direct intervention in Mexican territory.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called the elimination of Oseguera "a major development" for the US, Mexico and the entire Latin American region.
However, the joy of victory was quickly overshadowed by violence. Immediately after the campaign, many states in northern and western Mexico fell into chaos.
Videos circulating on social networks show cars catching fire on roads in Jalisco, black smoke billowing high. Local media recorded gunmen blocking highways in 6-7 states.
Governor Jalisco Pablo Lemus Navarro called on people to stay indoors until the situation is under control. The US Embassy also advised citizens to limit going out.
Violence spread to the aviation industry. Air Canada announced a temporary suspension of operations to the resort city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco state. United Airlines and American Airlines also canceled all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara on February 22.
Observers warn that removing a "boss" could lead to a bloody power struggle. International organized crime expert Vanda Felbab-Brown said: "Serious violence will occur.
She compared Oseguera to other formidable figures who have been eliminated, including "El Chapo" and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada of the Sinaloa gang. "Besides the Sinaloa leaders, El Mencho has been the biggest target for many years," she said.
While the Mexican government considers this a heavy blow to drug crime, the people are facing a new risk of instability. History shows that every time a drug lord is arrested or eliminated, the power vacuum left behind often ignites bloody purges between factions.
The death of "El Mencho" may close a dark chapter, but at the same time open a period of uncertainty for Mexican security.
