🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Mexico's most wanted cartel boss is dead

Mexican federal forces have killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes — known as El Mencho — the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG. The operation took place early Sunday morning, February 22nd, in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco. In response, cartel members have erected roadblocks and set vehicles on fire across multiple Mexican states. We'll break down what happened, what's happening on the ground right now, and what this means going forward.

According to high-ranking officials who confirmed the news to Mexican outlet Milenio, the Army-led operation was carOseguera Cervantes. Full operational details have not yet been released by authorities. Osegueraiated with Oseguera Cervantes. Full operational details have not yet been released by authorities. Oseguera Cervantes was 59 years old.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro confirmed on social media that the federal operation resulted in armed confrontations, and that individuals subsequently burned and blocked vehicles across the region in what he described as an effort to obstruct authorities.

In Puerto Vallarta, more than ten vehicles have been set on fire at various points across the city. Public transportation has suspended operations. Hotels are advising guests to remain indoors and some businesses have temporarily closed. In Guadalajara, roadblocks have been reported throughout the city, with residents receiving warnings through neighborhood messaging groups to avoid non-essential travel.

Michoacán Governor Alfredo Bedolla separately reported that 13 municipalities in his state are experiencing similar unrest. Roadblocks and vehicle burnings have been confirmed across six states in total: Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, and Aguascalientes.

Oseguera Cervantes was born on July 17th, 1966, in Naranjo de Chila, in the municipality of Aguililla, Michoacán. He left school in the sixth grade. As a teenager he migrated to the United States, where he was arrested for drug dealing. In 1992, he and his older brother Abraham were convicted of selling heroin to undercover officers, sentenced to federal prison, and later deported to Mexico.

Following Coronel's death in 2010 and the collapse of the Milenio Cartel, Oseguera Cervantes co-founded the CJNG alongside Erik Valencia Salazar. The organization expanded rapidly across more than a dozen Mexican states. Following the capture of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, Oseguera Cervantes was widely regarded by Mexican and U.S. authorities as the country's most powerful active cartel leader.

Mexican security forces are maintaining a visible presence across Jalisco, though authorities have been measured in releasing operational information. The situation across affected states remains active and fluid.

Residents in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and surrounding areas are advised by local authorities to stay home and monitor official channels for updates.