Mexico Deploys Thousands of Troops to Quell Cartel Violence Following Death of "El Mencho"

The Mexican government has mobilized approximately 9,500 soldiers and National Guard members in a massive security operation to contain a surge of violence triggered by the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Better known as "El Mencho," the drug lord died in military custody on Sunday shortly after a high-stakes capture by special forces in Jalisco state. Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla confirmed that 2,500 additional troops were dispatched to western Mexico on Monday to bolster the thousands already deployed to the region.

The arrest and subsequent death of Mexico's most-wanted man sparked immediate retaliation from CJNG members across at least 20 states. Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch reported that the ensuing unrest has claimed the lives of 25 National Guard members, one prison guard, and a member of the state prosecutor’s office. Additionally, 30 members of the criminal organization have been killed in clashes since Sunday.

The operation to capture El Mencho was carried out by the Mexican Army with support from the National Guard and Air Force, utilizing intelligence provided by the United States. Trevilla revealed that forces tracked the cartel leader to a meeting with a romantic partner in the town of Tapalpa. El Mencho was seriously injured during a firefight with military commandos and died while being transported to Mexico City.

President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the military for the operation and emphasized that her administration’s priority is restoring peace. "There is calm, there is government, there are armed forces, and there is a lot of coordination," Sheinbaum stated, despite reports of deserted streets in several towns where residents were told to seek shelter.

Videos authenticated by BBC Verify have shown intense urban combat, including an incident in San Isidro where a vehicle rammed a National Guard truck while cartel members opened fire. The CJNG remains one of the most feared criminal organizations in the world, and the US State Department had previously offered a 15 million dollar reward for information leading to the capture of its leader.

While the Mexican government acknowledged US intelligence support, officials confirmed on Monday that no American forces were directly involved in the tactical operation.

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