Mexico’s most-wanted cartel leader and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, died in custody after being injured during a military operation by Mexican special forces in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state
Twenty-five members of the National Guard and one security guard were killed in cartel attacks following the capture and death of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch told Reuters on Monday.
Oseguera, Mexico’s most-wanted cartel leader and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died in custody after being injured during a military operation by Mexican special forces in the town of Tapalpa, in Jalisco state, Reuters reported, citing defence ministry.
Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla said information leading to Oseguera’s capture and death came from a romantic partner of the crime boss. The United States had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
His death sparked a surge of violence across Mexico, with cartel members blocking roads, torching vehicles and launching retaliatory attacks.
El Mencho’s death triggered “27 cowardly attacks against authorities in Jalisco,” Harfuch said at the president’s daily press conference on Monday, adding that 30 cartel operatives were killed as well as one bystander. At least 70 people were arrested in seven states.
“We are closely monitoring for any kind of reaction or restructuring within the cartel that could lead to violence,” he said.
US President Donald Trump on Monday urged Mexico to intensify its crackdown on drug cartels.
“Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!” he wrote in a social media post.
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