Mexico: How El Mencho’s girlfriend precipitated the cartel leader’s downfall
Mexique : Comment la petite amie d’El Mencho a précipité la chute du chef du cartel
Mexican authorities announced they had located and killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho”, leader of the feared Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), following a meticulously prepared intelligence operation.
It was a sentimental detail that reportedly tipped the scales in years of pursuit. According to Mexican authorities, the surveillance of a romantic partner of “El Mencho” played a decisive role in the operation that led to the downfall of the leader of one of Mexico’s most powerful cartels.
According to Defense Secretary General Ricardo Trevilla, military intelligence had been monitoring a close associate linked to one of the drug trafficker’s partners for several days. This discreet lead took investigators to Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco, where the woman was to meet the cartel leader.
Security forces chose not to intervene immediately. They waited until the woman left the premises after spending the night with the fugitive. This movement confirmed not only “El Mencho’s” presence in the area but also the configuration of his security detail. Additional information provided by U.S. intelligence services helped pinpoint his exact location.
At dawn, Mexican special forces launched the assault, supported by ground units, helicopters, and aerial reconnaissance teams. The operation quickly escalated into fierce fighting. Eight gunmen were killed at the scene.
“El Mencho” and two of his bodyguards, who were wounded, were captured before succumbing to their injuries during their transfer.
President Claudia Sheinbaum was reportedly kept informed in real time of the operation’s progress. In total, more than 70 people lost their lives in the operation and the ensuing violence, according to authorities.
For years, Oseguera Cervantes had eluded Mexican and American forces, constantly changing hiding places and relying on a sophisticated security network. Ironically, it was an intimate relationship, considered a weak link in his clandestine operation, that ultimately allowed them to close in on him.
