Mexico’s notorious cartel boss “El Mencho” was killed in a military raid after authorities tracked the movements of one of his romantic partners.
Officials revealed the operation targeting Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), began on February 20.
Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo said military intelligence identified a man linked to one of Oseguera Cervantes’ girlfriends, who escorted her to a cabin in Tapalpa, a mountain resort town in Jalisco.
The following day, the woman left the property, while intelligence confirmed the cartel leader remained inside with a small security detail.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
Aerial surveillance then spotted members of his inner circle openly carrying high-calibre weapons, including rocket launchers and long guns.
That intelligence triggered a raid by Mexican Army Special Forces and the National Guard’s Immediate Reaction Force, leading to a fierce gun battle.
Four cartel members were killed during the exchange, while Oseguera Cervantes and members of his “close circle” fled into nearby woodland.
Soldiers later located them “hidden among the brush” and opened fire, critically wounding the cartel chief and two associates.
The aftermath of the violence which erupted after El Mencho's death
|GETTY
Members of Mexico's National Guard after the death of El Mencho
|GETTY
All three men died while being transported by helicopter to a hospital in Mexico City.
Two military personnel were also injured in the operation.
Officials did not name the woman involved or the man who assisted intelligence services.
Oseguera Cervantes was previously married to Rosalinda González Valencia before their divorce in 2018.
MEXICO - READ THE LATEST:
- Tennis bosses urged 'get everyone out' of Mexico as British stars set to take stage amid violence
- Gunmen storm major international airport as chaos erupts after killing of country's most wanted man
- World Cup plunged into chaos as England and Scotland fans told do not travel after Mexico cartel violence
A wanted poster for El Mencho, whose death has led to violence across several Mexican states
|UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Oseguera Cervantes was married to Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia before their divorce in 2018.
His ex-wife was released from prison last year after serving two years for a money laundering conviction.
Mr Trevilla Trejo praised the successful operation which involved the co-operation of Mexico's army, air force, and national guard.
He said "the intelligence process is very complex" of the time and resources used for the raid, which US Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel aided with additional intelligence.
The death of the notorious drug kingpin led to violent revolt across several states in Mexico.
Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said 25 National Guard members were killed in subsequent unrest, along with 30 cartel members.
Mexican authorities have deployed 2,500 additional reinforcements to Jalisco, joining 7,000 already stationed there.
US Homeland Security officials said there is no immediate threat to America but confirmed they are monitoring for possible retaliation by the cartel, including increased violence, coercion or debt-collection activity.
More From GB News