How Mexico hunted El Mencho with help from his lover’s trusted man and US intelligence

Mexico has eliminated one of its most wanted drug lords after security forces killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes in a dramatic weekend operation that triggered waves of violence across the country.

Oseguera, who led the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), had built one of the most feared criminal networks in Mexico. His group has been widely linked to large-scale trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States.

The operation comes at a sensitive time for President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has been under growing pressure from Donald Trump to intensify the fight against drug cartels. It also unfolds months before the city of Guadalajara hosts matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Tip-off that led to the raid

According to Mexican authorities, the breakthrough came on February 20 when investigators received reliable intelligence about El Mencho’s location.

Officials said the lead emerged from a key figure connected to one of the cartel boss’s romantic partners — described as a “trusted man” who helped security agencies narrow down the hideout.

Surveillance later showed the woman leaving a cabin complex near Tapalpa, while Oseguera remained inside with armed guards.

Special forces move in

Within 24 hours, Mexican special forces and National Guard elite units finalized a plan and launched the assault.

To avoid drawing attention, the mission relied mainly on ground troops, supported by limited helicopter surveillance. Security teams first sealed off the area before moving toward the suspected compound.

As troops advanced, they came under heavy fire from cartel gunmen, sparking an intense shootout.

Authorities say eight cartel members were killed and two soldiers were wounded in the exchange.

Cartel boss found in forest hideout

During the chaos, Oseguera and some of his aides fled into nearby woodland. A special forces team broke off and pursued the group, eventually locating the drug lord hiding in thick forest undergrowth.

After another firefight, troops captured El Mencho along with two bodyguards. All three were badly injured and required urgent evacuation.

They were airlifted toward Guadalajara for treatment, but officials later confirmed that the cartel leader and his guards died during the flight.

Fearing unrest in Guadalajara — a stronghold of the cartel — authorities diverted the aircraft to Morelia International Airport before transferring the bodies to Mexico City.

Violence erupts after death

News of El Mencho’s death quickly sparked retaliation across several regions.

Cartel groups reportedly set up burning roadblocks, clashed with security forces, and caused widespread disruption. Airlines suspended some flights, while the United States advised its citizens in affected areas to remain indoors.

Officials said 25 National Guard military police officers were killed during the unrest.

President Sheinbaum later appealed for calm, assuring citizens that authorities were working to restore stability nationwide.