Mexico Kills Jalisco New Generation Cartel Leader 'El Mencho'

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum ordered a military raid that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho', the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This operation, supported by U.S. intelligence, marks a significant shift in Mexico's security policy, moving away from the 'hugs not bullets' approach of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. El Mencho had a $15 million bounty from the United States and was considered untouchable. Following his death, CJNG loyalists launched retaliatory attacks, including torching cars and setting up over 250 roadblocks across 20 Mexican states. While the raid is seen as a success by U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, it poses political risks for Sheinbaum if the ensuing violence escalates. Experts warn that the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes could destabilize the CJNG's franchise-like structure, leading to new turf wars and potentially hindering the recent decline in homicide rates. The Mexican military now faces the challenge of potentially waging full-scale offensives against both the CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel simultaneously.