The Mexican army killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed “El Mencho”, a cartel leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel during a military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco. 

Mexico’s Ministry of National Defense said Oseguera Cervantes was severely injured during the shootout and died while being transferred to Mexico City. Six other cartel members were also killed, and two arrested. Additionally, three military officers were injured during the operation. 

According to CBS News, the raid was “… a culmination of intensified U.S.-Mexico counter-cartel cooperation … in which Mexican special forces executed the mission while U.S. personnel provided intelligence and operational advising from outside Mexico.”

Both Mexico and the United States have noted that Oseguera Cervantes was a major target, with the U.S. Department of State issuing a 15 million dollar bounty on him prior to the operation. Additionally, Matthew Donahue (Drug Enforcement Administration’s top agent in Mexico) noted, “El Mencho was the number one priority for DEA and frankly for federal law enforcement in the United States.” 

The results of the operation have caused violent unrest while Mexican authorities are combating ongoing violent attacks by cartel members. Civilians continue with caution amidst the conflict as cartel members attack security forces, block highways with gunmen, and set fire to property across regions. Several of these regions have issued a shelter in place following the cartel response.