Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of Mexico's most powerful drug cartel, was killed by Mexican soldiers on Sunday, triggering an explosion of violence that turned major cities into ghost towns and left more than 70 people dead. The Mexican army, with US intelligence support, tracked El Mencho through one of his romantic partners to the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state. During a fierce gun battle on Sunday afternoon, El Mencho and his bodyguards fought back with rocket launchers and forced a military helicopter to make an emergency landing. Nemesio-Oseguera-Cervante (

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of Mexico's most powerful drug cartel, was killed by Mexican soldiers on Sunday, triggering an explosion of violence that turned major cities into ghost towns and left more than 70 people dead.

The Mexican army, with US intelligence support, tracked El Mencho through one of his romantic partners to the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state. During a fierce gun battle on Sunday afternoon, El Mencho and his bodyguards fought back with rocket launchers and forced a military helicopter to make an emergency landing.

Nemesio-Oseguera-Cervante (El mancho)

El Mencho was shot during the firefight and died while being airlifted to Mexico City. His Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) immediately unleashed chaos across Mexico.

Cartel members erected over 250 roadblocks across 20 states, setting fire to cars, buses, and trucks on highways. Guadalajara, Jalisco's capital which will host World Cup matches in June, became a ghost town as residents fled for safety. Videos showed panicked travelers sprinting through airports. Airlines canceled dozens of flights.

At least 25 National Guard members were killed in clashes with cartel gunmen. Eight CJNG members died in the initial raid. Schools closed across multiple states.

The United States had offered a $15 million reward for El Mencho, one of the highest bounties ever. His cartel controls the flow of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine into America, earning billions of dollars annually.

Now experts warn the real danger is beginning. El Mencho had no clear successor. His son is imprisoned in the United States. His wife was arrested in 2021. Four top commanders are reportedly fighting for control, threatening to split the cartel into warring factions.

The rival Sinaloa cartel, already weakened by infighting after losing its own leaders, may try to seize CJNG territory, sparking turf wars across Mexico.

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