Mexico has spent the final 24 hours in a state of excessive stress after safety forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, higher referred to as “El Mencho”, a robust druglord and the long-time head of the Jalisco New Technology Cartel (CJNG).Whereas authorities described the navy operation as a decisive blow in opposition to organised crime, the aftermath triggered widespread unrest throughout the nation with the members of cartel happening a revenge spree burning automobiles and setting petrol stations on hearth.
Though federal officers mentioned by Monday afternoon that order was progressively being restored, a number of areas remained tense, with residents staying indoors and colleges and companies shut in some areas.How authorities tracked the cartel boss down: The ‘lover’ leadBased on studies, the breakthrough in finding Oseguera didn’t come from monetary surveillance or drug interdictions, however from human intelligence.Based on authorities, they obtained key data from somebody related to one in every of Oseguera’s romantic companions. That intelligence allowed safety businesses to observe her actions and determine a deliberate assembly with the cartel chief in Tapalpa, a wooded cabin about 130 kilometres from Guadalajara in Jalisco state.Mexican navy intelligence brokers, supported by the US navy’s Northern Command, realized that the lady deliberate to satisfy with Oseguera at a residence within the space. Defence secretary Ricardo Trevilla advised reporters that the lady, “one of many romantic companions of ‘El Mencho’,” was taken to a home in Tapalpa by a trusted affiliate.She met Oseguera on the property and later left, whereas he remained inside together with his safety group.As soon as the situation was confirmed, military and Nationwide Guard items launched a high-risk operation concentrating on the compound. As safety forces closed in, Oseguera’s gunmen opened hearth, triggering a fierce alternate. The combating later moved towards a cabin advanced deep within the surrounding forest.Oseguera was significantly injured within the firefight, together with two of his bodyguards. All three have been airlifted by helicopter to Mexico Metropolis for emergency therapy, however didn’t survive the journey.“Sadly, they died on the best way,” Ricardo Trevilla mentioned on the president’s press convention and prolonged condolences to the households of officers who misplaced their lives within the operation.Authorities mentioned they recovered a big cache of weapons on the website, together with rifles outfitted with grenade launchers, rocket launchers and mortar shells, highlighting the extent of firepower deployed by the cartel.The US angleOseguera had lengthy been among the many most wished figures by US authorities. The US had introduced a reward of as much as $15 million for data resulting in his seize.His demise comes amid rising strain from Washington to accentuate motion in opposition to drug cartels chargeable for trafficking fentanyl and different narcotics into the US. Former US President Donald Trump had beforehand warned of potential strikes in opposition to cartel networks inside Mexico.Mexican officers didn’t element the extent of US intelligence involvement within the particular operation, however mentioned that America present necessary intel that helped the forces monitor the precise location of the cabin ‘El Mencho’ was staying.“There was no participation on this operation of US forces. What there was, was an alternate of knowledge,” Mexican President Sheinbaum mentioned.The aftermathInside hours of affirmation of Oseguera’s demise, armed teams linked to the cartel launched coordinated reprisals in a number of states.Authorities reported that highways have been blocked with burning automobiles, supermarkets and petrol stations have been set on hearth, and safety forces have been attacked in several areas. In some cities, public transport was suspended and flights have been disrupted. Faculties have been closed in affected districts as a precaution.Officers mentioned a minimum of 62 individuals have been killed in violence linked to the crackdown and its aftermath.Whereas authorities say stability is returning, the approaching weeks will decide whether or not the state’s offensive weakens the cartel’s construction or triggers a brand new cycle of retaliatory unrest.
