Attacks Follow Death of Cartel Leader
The Mexican government has confirmed that 25 members of the National Guard, one prison guard, and an innocent woman were killed in a series of violent attacks believed to be in retaliation for the death of Ruben Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguerra Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
El Mencho was killed on Sunday during a tactical operation carried out by Mexican Army special forces, as reported. In this incident, cartel gunmen used Russian-made RPGs and advanced weaponry to try and thwart the efforts of the military. Two individuals, including someone named Reeder and his son-in-law, were injured during the encounter and died while being evacuated to a hospital.
Right after this operation, CJNG forces began carrying out coordinated attacks across at least 18 states in Mexico. These actions included shootings, carjackings, erecting blockades, and setting multiple buildings and convenience stores ablaze. Authorities indicated that, in addition to the National Guard deaths, 40 cartel gunmen also lost their lives in these clashes, along with the aforementioned prison guard and woman. Additionally, around 70 people were arrested throughout the day.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that by Monday morning, the military would remove all blockades, aiming to restore normalcy to daily life.
During the same press conference, Mexican Defense Secretary General Ricardo Torrevira Trejo addressed the military operation against El Mencho’s forces. He appeared visibly emotional as he recalled the 25 National Guard members killed, a tragic loss that hit close to home. Notably, there was previously reported friendship between Torrevira Trejo and El Mencho, dating back to their time together when Trevira-Trejo served as a regional army director in Michoacán.
In further details shared during the press conference, Mexico’s top security official, Omar García Halfuch, noted that the operation targeting El Mencho was informed by intelligence, including attempts to track down the cartel leader’s mistress.
