Mexican authorities confirmed that cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed during a military operation in Jalisco state, triggering widespread violence, road blockades and international travel warnings.
The Mexican army said Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho”, was wounded in a confrontation with soldiers in the town of Tapalpa and died while being transported by air to Mexico City. Oseguera, 59, had a $15 million bounty placed on him by the United States.
The operation, carried out with Mexican military intelligence and what officials described as complementary information from US authorities, resulted in the deaths of six suspected cartel gunmen. Three soldiers were injured. Two suspects were arrested and weapons were seized, including rocket launchers capable of targeting aircraft and armoured vehicles.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Washington provided intelligence support for the operation.
In the aftermath, gunmen linked to the cartel retaliated by blocking more than 20 roads in western Jalisco, setting fire to vehicles and disrupting transport corridors. At least eight states suspended in-person classes, while judicial authorities authorised the temporary closure of courts where required.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizens to remain calm as security forces responded to the unrest.
Violence spread beyond Jalisco to neighbouring Michoacán and to the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, both areas where the cartel has operated. In Guadalajara, the state capital, streets were largely deserted as shops, pharmacies and petrol stations shut down.
Jalisco state authorities cancelled all large public events, including activities linked to preparations for hosting four World Cup matches this summer.
Maria Medina, an employee at a petrol station that was set on fire, said armed men ordered staff to leave the premises. She described fleeing to nearby businesses for safety as the violence escalated.
The United States has designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a terrorist organisation and accuses it of trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into US territory. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described Oseguera as one of the most violent drug kingpins in the region and called the operation a significant development for regional security.
The raid comes amid sustained pressure from US President Donald Trump for Mexico to curb fentanyl trafficking. Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs on Mexican exports, arguing that stronger enforcement is needed to stem cross-border drug flows.
Following the outbreak of violence, the US State Department advised American citizens in large parts of Mexico to shelter in place until further notice. Canada also issued travel warnings for Jalisco, Guerrero and Michoacán, citing reports of shootouts and explosions.
Airlines responded by cancelling dozens of flights. US and Canadian carriers suspended services to destinations including Puerto Vallarta, with Air Canada confirming cancellations would continue at least into Monday.
Oseguera’s death marks one of the most significant blows to organised crime in Mexico since the capture of Sinaloa cartel leaders Joaquín Guzmán and Ismael Zambada, both currently imprisoned in the United States. However, security analysts caution that leadership removals often trigger short-term surges in violence as criminal groups reposition internally.
Authorities continue security operations in affected areas as Mexico confronts the immediate fallout from the death of one of its most powerful cartel figures.
