The Mexican military has confiscated a rocket launcher capable of targeting aircraft during an operation that resulted in the death of cartel leader Rubén “Nemesio” Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho.” This incident underscores the significant military might that Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has accumulated over time.
CJNG has been linked to armed attacks in Jalisco state, notably in 2015 when cartel members used a rocket-propelled grenade to shoot down a military helicopter. This event was pivotal in altering the perception of the cartel’s capabilities among Mexican authorities.
During the recent raid, security forces were deployed in response to an attack, utilizing aircraft and specialized units for the operation. The military managed to seize not just heavy weaponry but also armored vehicles, typically associated with armed conflict instead of standard law enforcement activities.
Mexican special forces were involved, supported by the Air Force and National Guard, indicating the extensive resources required to tackle the cartel’s leadership.
Former U.S. officials describe CJNG as operating more like a militia than just a drug trafficking organization. They employ well-coordinated barricades, armed convoys, and organized enforcement to maintain control over contested regions.
The tactics used by CJNG involve seizing vehicles and launching coordinated attacks in urban centers, which reinforces its reputation as one of Mexico’s most heavily armed criminal factions.
The State Department issued a travel alert for Americans in various Mexican states, advising them to remain at their locations due to ongoing security operations, road closures, and escalating criminal activity related to cartel conflicts.
The operation that resulted in El Mencho’s death was significant, showcasing how heavily armed cartels are capable of confronting state forces directly.
