A hut in the jungle in Mexico and a targeted strike: How El Mencho’s girlfriend became pivotal in the operation that toppled him – The

Mexico has spent the past 24 hours in a state of heightened tension after security forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” a powerful drug lord and long-time boss of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).While authorities described the military operation as a decisive blow against organized crime, its aftermath sparked widespread unrest across the country as cartel members went on a retaliatory campaign by burning vehicles and setting gas stations on fire.

Although federal officials said Monday afternoon that order had gradually returned, several areas remained tense, with residents staying home and schools and businesses closed in some areas.How the authorities tracked down the cartel boss: the “beloved” leadAccording to reports, the breakthrough in locating Oseguera came not from financial surveillance or drug interdiction, but from human intelligence.According to authorities, they received key information from a person associated with one of Oseguera’s romantic partners. That intelligence allowed security services to monitor her movements and set up a planned meeting with the cartel leader in Tapalpa, a wooded hut about 130 kilometers from Guadalajara in Jalisco state.

Mexican military intelligence agents, supported by the U.S. military’s Northern Command, learned that the woman planned to meet Oseguera at a home in the area. The woman, “one of El Mencho’s romantic partners,” was taken to a house in Tapalpa by a trusted associate, Defense Minister Ricardo Trivilla told reporters.She met Oseguera at the property and later left, while he remained inside with his security team.Once the location was confirmed, Army and National Guard units launched a very dangerous operation targeting the complex. As security forces approached, Oseguera’s gunmen opened fire, leading to a violent exchange. The fighting later moved toward a cabin complex deep in the surrounding forest.Oseguera was seriously injured in an exchange of gunfire with two of his bodyguards. The three were flown by helicopter to Mexico City for emergency treatment, but did not survive the flight.“Unfortunately, they died on the way,” Ricardo Trivilla said at the president’s press conference, offering his condolences to the families of the officers who lost their lives in the operation.Authorities said they found a large cache of weapons at the site, including rifles equipped with grenade launchers, rocket launchers and mortars, highlighting the level of firepower deployed by the cartel.American cornerOseguera has long been among the most wanted figures by US authorities. The United States announced a reward of up to $15 million for anyone who provides information leading to his arrest.His death comes amid increasing pressure from Washington to intensify action against drug gangs responsible for smuggling fentanyl and other drugs into the United States. Former US President Donald Trump had previously warned of possible strikes against cartel networks inside Mexico.Mexican officials did not provide details about the extent of US intelligence involvement in the specific operation, but they said that America provided important information that helped the forces track the exact location of the cabin where “El Mencho” was staying.Mexican President Sheinbaum said, “There was no participation in this operation by American forces. What happened was an exchange of information.”ConsequencesWithin hours of Oseguera’s death being confirmed, armed groups linked to the cartel launched coordinated reprisals in multiple states.Authorities reported that highways were closed with burning vehicles, supermarkets and gas stations were set on fire, and security forces were attacked in various areas. In some cities, public transportation was suspended and flights were disrupted. Schools were closed in the affected areas as a precaution.Officials said at least 62 people were killed in violence linked to the campaign and its aftermath.While authorities say stability has returned, the coming weeks will determine whether the state offensive weakens the cartel’s structure or sparks a new cycle of retaliatory unrest.