Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Urges Calm After ‘El Mencho’ Killing, Cites State Coordination
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said there is “absolute coordination” with state authorities following the reported killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military operation in western Mexico.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Sheinbaum urged the public to remain calm and informed, adding that activities were continuing normally across most of the country. She acknowledged unrest triggered by the operation, noting that the Defense Ministry had reported various road blockades and other reactions following the intervention by federal forces.
According to the ministry, Special Forces carried out the operation in Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco, a known CJNG stronghold, with the objective of apprehending Oseguera. Authorities said military personnel came under attack and responded in self-defense, resulting in four cartel members being killed at the scene and three others dying from severe injuries during their airlift to Mexico City. Officials identified one of the deceased as “Ruben ‘N’ (alias Mencho),” adding that forensic procedures are underway to confirm the identity.
The ministry also reported that two cartel members were arrested and that armored vehicles and weapons, including rocket launchers capable of targeting aircraft, were seized during the operation.
The reported killing sparked a violent backlash across several states, with road blockades, burning vehicles, and armed clashes reported in multiple regions. Pablo Lemus Navarro, governor of Jalisco, issued a red alert and ordered the cancellation of in-person school classes on Monday in response to the security situation.
