Mexico’s government announced that Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’ and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a security operation in Jalisco’s Tapalpa region. The 59-year-old former police officer was fatally wounded in a gunfight with soldiers while being transported to Mexico City. Four CJNG members were also killed and three soldiers injured in the raid, which was supported by U.S. intelligence. Authorities seized armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other weapons during the operation.

Following his death, CJNG members launched violent attacks across eight Mexican states, setting vehicles on fire, blocking roads, and targeting security forces. The U.S. State Department issued travel warnings for several regions, including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, saying most areas remained stable.

Airlines including United, American, and Air Canada canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara amid unrest. Former U.S. ambassador Christopher Landau described El Mencho as one of the most brutal drug lords, warning that cartel retaliation could complicate Mexico’s security situation.