Mexican and U.S. authorities announced Sunday that troops had killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera CervantesAlso known as El Mencho, the leader of the new generation drug cartel in Jalisco. The 59-year-old man was wounded during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and died en route to Mexico City, the statement said. Three other people died at the scene and at least three drug gang members were injured. Two people were arrested and armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other weapons were seized. The Ministry of Defense noted that three members of the armed forces were injured and are receiving medical treatment.
follow: Mexico News Live Updates: Drug lord El Mencho killed; flights to Puerto Vallarta
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico wrote on social media that the operation was conducted by Mexican special forces “within the framework of bilateral cooperation, with additional intelligence provided by U.S. authorities.”
However, some critics have refuted these claims, claiming that El Mencho may “still be alive.”
One local wrote on the platform
“El Mencho is alive, no reliable sources have confirmed his death at this time. The airport panic video is an old video (circa 2022-2023 incident) that has been repurposed with new subtitles. Classic fear bait. Stay skeptical,” another user tweeted.
HT.com has not been able to verify the authenticity of these claims. Neither Mexican nor U.S. officials commented on the development.
Read more: El Mencho Killed: 5 Things You Need to Know About Mexican Drug Lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes
Meanwhile, news of El Mencho’s killing sparked violence across Mexico, particularly in Puerto Vallarta, Tapalpa and Guadalajara. Video from the airport showed chaos. Jalisco state closed schools on Monday.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta and panicked people rushing through the state capital’s airport.
On Sunday afternoon, Air Canada announced it would suspend flights to Puerto Vallarta “due to the ongoing security situation” and advised passengers not to travel to the airport.
In the state capital Guadalajara, burning vehicles blocked roads. Mexico’s second-largest city plans to host matches during this summer’s Football World Cup.
The U.S. State Department warns citizens of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon to stay in safe places due to ongoing security operations. The Canadian embassy in Mexico warned its citizens in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place and keep a low profile in Jalisco state.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus asked residents to stay home and suspended public transportation.
In a post on X, Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum praised Mexican security forces and called for calm.
“The Secretariat of the Ministry of National Defense reported on the operations carried out by federal forces this morning, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions. There is absolute coordination with the state governments; we must remain informed and calm. The social media accounts of the Security Cabinet provide permanent updates. In the vast majority of the country’s territory, activities are completely normal. I acknowledge the Mexican Army, the National Guard, the Armed Forces and the Security Cabinet. We work every day for peace, security, justice and well-being in Mexico,” she said.
(With AP input)
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