UPDATE: Mexican authorities confirmed that notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” was killed during a military raid in Jalisco on February 22, 2023. His death has sparked immediate and violent retaliation across the country, raising serious concerns about public safety.
The operation was a culmination of extensive intelligence work, which began with a tip-off from a close associate of Oseguera’s partner. This led authorities to a facility in Tapalpa, where they discovered Oseguera had been hiding. The Mexican Army, backed by special forces and military aircraft, launched a surprise raid early that day.
As dawn broke, cartel gunmen opened fire on the approaching military units, leading to a fierce clash that resulted in the deaths of eight suspected cartel members. Oseguera and his bodyguards retreated into a nearby wooded area. In the ensuing gunfight, Oseguera was found injured but was unable to survive the flight to a medical facility, according to military sources.
The aftermath of the raid has been chaotic. Violence erupted across Jalisco, as cartel members executed a series of arson attacks and created roadblocks, leading to the deaths of at least 30 suspected gang members, 25 National Guard troops, and an innocent bystander. In response to the chaos, multiple airlines canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta, as stunned tourists captured images of smoke rising from the chaos. Residents and tourists were urged to remain indoors while security forces worked to stabilize the situation.
In the wake of Oseguera’s death, authorities identified “El Tuli,” Oseguera’s right-hand man, as the orchestrator of ongoing violence. He was later killed in a confrontation with security forces in El Grullo, further escalating tensions.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured the public that as of the morning of February 23, there were no more roadblocks and that normalcy was expected to return soon. However, reports indicated that authorities were actively monitoring potential successors to Oseguera, fearing further violence from rival factions.
U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, calling for Mexico to “step up their efforts on Cartels and Drugs!” This comes as discussions around the North American free trade pact loom, intensifying the stakes.
As the situation develops, public safety remains a primary concern. Citizens across Jalisco and beyond are advised to stay vigilant as security forces continue to respond to cartel activity. Authorities are encouraging reporting of any suspicious activities to help maintain peace in the region.
This dramatic turn of events marks a significant moment in Mexico’s ongoing battle against powerful drug cartels. The consequences of Oseguera’s death will likely reverberate throughout the nation in the days and weeks to come.
