Love proved too much for the mafia: El Mencho's empire was destroyed by targeting his girlfriend, thus killing the cartel leader.

The foundations of Mexico's dangerous drug empire finally shook where no one expected. After eluding the military and security agencies for years, the notorious cartel leader, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, was finally captured through a link very close to him.

Surveillance of his girlfriend's movements uncovered the secret hideout where he was hiding under heavy security. Based on this clue, the army launched an operation and eliminated him. Let's now delve into how his love proved too much for the mafia.

According to officials, intelligence agencies identified a trusted associate associated with El Mencho's close female companion. His movements were tracked. From there, the agencies tracked his female companion. She frequented a secluded rural compound near the mountain town of Tapalpa in Jalisco. As soon as she left the place after spending the night, security forces determined the cartel leader was still inside. A military operation was launched without delay.

Siege and Jungle Encounter

Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla stated that security forces surrounded the entire compound the next day. El Mencho's men returned fire and fled with him into the nearby jungle. He was seriously wounded in the encounter. Two of his bodyguards were also injured. All three were airlifted to a hospital, but died on the way.

Violence erupted after the operation

As news of the cartel leader's death spread, violence erupted in several states, including Jalisco. Cartel supporters set fires in the streets, burned vehicles, and attacked security forces. Security Minister Omar García Harfuch stated that 25 National Guard personnel were killed in Jalisco. Approximately 30 suspected cartel members were also killed. A large number of arrests were made in several locations.

Government clarification on US role

The government clarified that the operation was entirely carried out by the Mexican military. The US only shared intelligence that confirmed the location. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that no US troops participated in the operation. She assured that the situation was under control and that restoring peace was a priority.

A Major Figure in Fentanyl Trafficking

El Mencho had transformed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel into one of the country's most powerful criminal organizations. He was accused of large-scale trafficking of fentanyl and other drugs into the US. Trump, the current US President, has already launched a tough campaign against the cartel. This operation is being considered part of that broader crackdown.