The Sunday killing of Ruben Nemesio Oseguera, also known as “El Mencho,” represents the highest-profile target struck by Mexican authorities ever since the capture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán in 2016 and Ismael Zambada "El Mayo" García in 2024.
Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was seen as one of the most powerful and violent drug lords in Mexico, with his group taking power when Guzman and Garcia were extradited to the US following their respective arrests.
Guzmán and García were the founders and leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, the most powerful drug cartel in Mexico prior to their arrests. Once they both were extradited, several groups vied to fill the power vacuum left behind, among them the CJNG.
After extensive fighting and chaos, the CJNG managed to gain control of several key states in central Mexico, while maintaining a presence in almost every other state in the country.
Recent reports by Insight Crime showed that, though the cartel had shown possible internal fractures, it still remained one of the primary criminal organizations in Mexico.
According to a Science magazine study, the CJNG had between 18,000 and 35,000 people under its control.
Additional reports showed the group had gained possession of military-grade equipment, including armored vehicles, high-caliber weapons, and drones, used in some of their illegal operations.
CJNG has also been known for its public relations stunts, such as showcasing its weapons, armed men, and vehicles on social media, while issuing official statements in the states where its presence is prominent.
In a viral 2020 video, a large caravan of men in military gear can be seen pledging their loyalty to CJNG by saying they are “Mr. Melcho’s people.”
The video was filmed to show support for Oseguera after his son was extradited to the US.
Chaos in Mexico after death of Cartel boss
According to Mexican media, the CJNG ordered widespread violence and chaos against Mexico's police and military after security forces killed Oseguera during a Sunday operation.
Infobae Mexico claimed that the military had managed to confiscate some of CJNG's high-caliber weapons, armored vehicles, and even a rocket launcher in the aftermath of the operation.
In the cities of Zamora, Yorecuaro, Ecuandureo, Zacapau, Degollado, and Irapuato, the cartel imposed a curfew, while the Mexican government assured that the situation was under control and ordered the public to follow the authorities' orders.
Pablo Lemus, governor of Jalisco, ordered the people to stay in their homes and keep safe after the operation, while assuring that authorities were working to stabilize the situation.
“We ask the people of Jalisco to follow the recommendations of the authorities and not expose themselves to risky situations,” said Lemus in a statement.
“The Secretariat of National Defense reported on the operation carried out this morning by federal forces, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions,” said the Mexican President Caludia Sheinbaum.
The US Embassy in Mexico also issued a “shelter in place” warning for American citizens in Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State.
The Israeli, Polish, and Russian Foreign Ministries issued similar warnings to each of their citizens currently in Mexico.