FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Investigations led to a key person who provided access to his hideout, described as a "confidant" of one of the cartel leader's partners.
Mexican security forces killed Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the country's most wanted cartel leader, on Sunday during a high-profile operation that was followed by waves of violence and unrest in several areas.
Oseguera led and co-founded the Jalisco Cartel “Nueva Generación,” one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico. In recent years, the group has expanded its influence significantly and become one of the main suppliers of methamphetamine and fentanyl to the United States.
The operation comes at a crucial time for Mexico, as President Claudia Sheinbaum faces increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to step up the fight against drug trafficking. It also comes just months before Guadalajara is set to host four group stage matches of the 2026 World Cup.
How was the operation performed?
After years of pursuit, Mexican forces finally obtained accurate information about Oseguera's whereabouts on February 20. According to Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, the investigation led to a key person who provided access to his hideout, described as a "confidant" of one of the cartel leader's partners.
The next day, the partner left the cabin complex on the outskirts of Tapalpa, while Oseguera remained there with his bodyguards.
Special Forces and the National Guard's Rapid Reaction Unit devised the plan and launched the raid within 24 hours. To avoid suspicion, the operation relied primarily on ground forces, with limited air support from helicopters.
The troops surrounded the compound and approached the target, but were met with fire from Oseguera's subordinates. Footage provided by witnesses shows armed forces and armored vehicles advancing towards the mountainous area near Tapalpa, where the Cabañas La Loma resort complex is located. The facility had previously been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department for providing material support to drug trafficking activities.
The exchange of fire left eight cartel members dead and two soldiers wounded, according to authorities. Oseguera and several associates retreated into a wooded area, leaving behind an armed group that continued the clash.
A Special Forces unit pursued them and found them hiding in the woods. After another shootout, the forces arrested Oseguera and his two bodyguards, all three seriously injured. Authorities decided to transport them by helicopter to a hospital in Guadalajara.
However, all three died during the flight. Fearing a violent reaction in Guadalajara, authorities diverted the helicopter to Morelia International Airport, from where the bodies were transported to Mexico City.
Postoperative violence
Oseguera's death sparked violent reactions in several regions. Armed gangs set up fireblockades on the streets and clashed with the military. Airlines suspended flights to the area, while US authorities urged their citizens to stay in safe areas. 25 members of the National Guard military police were killed in the unrest.
On Monday, President Sheinbaum called for calm and stated that the priority remains ensuring peace and security throughout the country. She assured that authorities are working to restore normality.
Why right now?
The operation comes at a sensitive political time. With Donald Trump's statements about the possibility of cross-border interventions, the Mexican government is seeking to show determination in the fight against the cartels.
However, the decision to target the cartel leader just months before the World Cup also represents a calculated risk, given the potential impact on the country's security and image. Guadalajara is expected to benefit economically from hosting the matches, and stability remains essential for tourism.
The United States had declared Oseguera a "specially designated global terrorist" and had placed a $15 million reward for his capture.
Armando Vargas from the analytical organization México Evalúa estimates that the Mexican state made a strategic calculation and took advantage of the most favorable moment to capture it, considering that it had the capacity to cope with the short-term consequences.
According to him, although violence was expected, the immediate fragmentation of the cartel seems unlikely, as part of the leadership structure continues to operate with local autonomy.
Other analysts also emphasize that the elimination of Oseguera has great symbolic importance, but warn that it could open up opportunities for internal clashes or for the advancement of rival cartels in the territories of Jalisco.
In any case, Mexican authorities hope that this development will be perceived as a significant step in the fight against organized crime, especially in relation to relations with the United States./ Adapted from "Pamphlet" by "CNN"
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