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Mexico Drug War Escalates After El Mencho Death

Yahoo Finance •
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Mexico's most-wanted cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho,' was killed in a military operation in Jalisco state on Sunday, triggering waves of violence across the country. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel boss died in custody after being injured during a special forces raid in Tapalpa, according to Mexico's defense ministry.

Oseguera's death sparked 27 retaliatory attacks against authorities in Jalisco, leaving 25 National Guard members and one security guard dead. The violence included roadblocks, burned vehicles, and targeted assaults on government forces. Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch reported that 30 cartel operatives were killed and one bystander died during the chaos, with at least 70 people arrested across seven states.

The U.S. had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to Oseguera's arrest. His capture resulted from intelligence provided by a romantic partner of the crime boss, according to Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla. The violence prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to call on Mexico to intensify efforts against drug cartels.