Mexican Military Kills Cartel Boss Oseguera in Raid Supported by US

In the high-profile raid led by Mexican special forces with U.S. intelligence support, Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” was fatally injured and subsequently killed while in custody. The 60-year-old served as the mastermind of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a group notorious for orchestrating drug smuggling operations into the United States.

Oseguera’s death comes after months of mounting pressure from President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has been under scrutiny for her government’s weak response to rampant cartels, particularly those involved in fentanyl trafficking across borders. The CJNG is one of Mexico’s most influential criminal organizations, characterized by brutal tactics such as forced labor and recruitment, along with a diverse portfolio including fuel theft, extortion, human smuggling, and complex financial frauds.

Recent years have seen the CJNG expand its activities from drug trafficking to include a wide range of illicit enterprises. One of their notable achievements was pioneering the use of drones in attacks against civilians in remote areas of western Mexico during its rapid territorial expansion.

This latest operation by Mexican forces is considered one of the most significant blows against organized crime groups responsible for funneling billions into U.S. markets through illegal drug trafficking, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The CJNG’s leaders, including Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, were already behind bars in the United States, but this latest loss is seen as a crucial step towards dismantling their organizational structure.

Oseguera’s demise has precipitated retaliatory violence across Mexico. Inhabitants of Jalisco’s Pacific coast towns like Tapalpa and Puerto Vallarta have reported heightened security concerns with cartel members burning vehicles and businesses in protest, causing widespread disruption to local economies.

Herndon Oseguera was a former police officer who transformed himself into one of Mexico’s most powerful figures. His death underscores the ongoing efforts by U.S.-backed Mexican forces aimed at curbing drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises that have long plagued the country’s economic stability and security.

The administration under President Claudia Sheinbaum is now in the spotlight for its ability to balance strong support from Washington with Mexico’s sovereignty, leading some experts to predict potential infighting within the CJNG as a result of this high-profile kill. However, officials are maintaining that law enforcement operations remain robust across most areas and have not significantly impacted daily life.

As investigations continue into Oseguera’s death, political analysts will be watching closely for signs of internal strife among cartel factions following this significant blow to their leadership hierarchy. The United States has praised the Mexican military’s handling of this operation, but diplomatic tensions persist regarding any potential unilateral interventions by American forces in Mexico.