MEXICO CITY: One of Mexico’s most notorious drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera, head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed in a military operation on Sunday, sparking retaliatory violence across multiple states.
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According to Mexico’s Defense Ministry, the 60-year-old Oseguera was injured during the raid conducted by Mexican special forces in the town of Tapalpa on the Pacific coast and died in custody. His body was transported to Mexico City under heavy guard. U.S. authorities reportedly provided intelligence support for the operation, which the White House praised as a successful joint effort.
Following the news, CJNG affiliates set cars ablaze and torched businesses on highways in at least six states, paralyzing parts of the country. In the popular resort city of Puerto Vallarta, tourists described scenes reminiscent of a “war zone,” leading airlines including Air Canada, American Airlines, Aeromexico, and United to suspend flights temporarily.
Oseguera, a former police officer, had transformed CJNG into one of Mexico’s most powerful and diversified criminal organizations, engaging in drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, fuel theft, and financial fraud. The cartel is notorious for violent tactics, including forced recruitment and the use of drones in attacks on civilians.
President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s sovereignty while vowing to cooperate with the U.S. in fighting cartels. Analysts warn that Oseguera’s death could lead to internal CJNG factional fights and ongoing violence. Security officials reported that most areas in Mexico continued normal activities, though schools in several states canceled classes as a precaution.
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U.S. officials, including Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, called the killing a major step in the fight against organized crime, highlighting the political and security challenges facing Mexico in combating powerful drug cartels.