‘Partner left & then army…’: Mexico reveals detailed ops on how cartel boss El Mencho was killed!

Operation Against Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ("Mencho") - Detailed Account

Key Concepts:

• Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (Mencho): Leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a major drug trafficking organization.
• CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel): A powerful Mexican drug cartel known for its violence and expanding influence.
• Central Military Intelligence: The intelligence arm of the Mexican Armed Forces, crucial in locating and tracking Mencho.
• Airmobile Force: Military unit utilizing helicopters for rapid deployment and maneuverability.
• Special Forces: Highly trained military personnel specializing in unconventional warfare and high-risk operations.
• Interpol & Europol: International criminal police organizations assisting in tracking and apprehending criminals.
• Federal Firearms and Explosives Control Law: Mexican law governing the use and control of firearms.
• RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade): A Russian-made anti-tank weapon used by the cartel.
• Blindside: Another type of rocket launcher used by the cartel.

I. Background and Intelligence Gathering (1990s – February 2024)

Ruben N, known as Eleno (Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes – Mencho), initiated his involvement in drug trafficking in the 1990s as a member of the Valencia Group/Millennium Cartel in Mishuakan. He quickly became a significant target for law enforcement. In May 2016, the United States added him to its list of most wanted fugitives, with an arrest warrant issued by the Western District of Texas court. Mexico offered a 30 million peso reward in August 2018, and the US increased the reward to $15 million in December 2024.

The operation leading to the attempt to capture Mencho was the result of extensive intelligence gathering by Central Military Intelligence, supported by information from Mexican security cabinet institutions and US agencies. Mexico maintains agreements with international organizations like Interpol and Europol, and has strengthened its relationship with the United States Northern Command for information exchange. The intelligence process was described as “complicated” and requiring “a great deal of information, many data points and numerous clues from various sources both national and international.”

II. Initial Tracking and Operation Planning (February 20-22, 2024)

On February 20th, a trusted associate of one of Mencho’s romantic partners was located and used to transport her to a facility in Tapalpa Haliscoco. Mencho met with this partner at the facility. On February 21st, the partner left, confirming Mencho’s presence at the location with a security detail. Operation planning commenced on the same day, adhering to the military doctrine that those executing the operation should also be responsible for its planning. This planning was conducted by special forces and immediate reaction special force personnel of the National Guard.

III. Operational Force Structure and Deployment

The operational force was structured into three components:

• Ground Unit: Composed of personnel from the joint special force, army special forces, and the immediate reaction special force of the National Guard.
• Airmobile Force: Consisting of six helicopters and special forces personnel, positioned on alert in states bordering Jalisco to maintain secrecy and achieve surprise. They did not initially land in Jalisco.
• Specialized Military Force: Providing crucial air support using Texan aircraft from the Mexican Air Force.

Confirmation of Mencho’s presence was received late on February 22nd, triggering the deployment of the ground force to the location in Tapalpa.

IV. Confrontation and Initial Engagement (February 22nd – 23rd)

The ground force moved to establish a perimeter, anticipating armed resistance based on aerial reconnaissance. Mencho’s security personnel immediately opened fire on the military, initiating a violent confrontation. Mencho fled the scene, leaving behind a heavily armed group. Eight criminals were killed during the initial exchange, and seven long guns and two rocket launchers (one RPG – Russian-made, the same type used in 2015 to down an Air Force helicopter in Outland Navaro – and one Blindside) were seized, along with eight vehicles (including two ATVs) and ammunition.

Mencho and his close circle retreated into a wooded area adjacent to the cabin complex. A perimeter was established, and a pursuit ensued.

V. Final Confrontation, Death of Mencho, and Aftermath

Special forces operatives located Mencho hiding in dense undergrowth. He and his bodyguards opened fire. While carrying rocket launchers, they did not deploy them due to the intensity of the military response. However, a helicopter from the airmobile force was hit and forced to make an emergency landing in Sula Sula, Jalisco, with no injuries to personnel.

Mencho was wounded, along with two bodyguards, and two criminals were arrested. Three long guns, two handguns, a rocket launcher, grenades, and ammunition were seized. Military health personnel evacuated Mencho and his wounded bodyguards due to the severity of their injuries.

During transport, Mencho died. The helicopter was diverted to Morelia International Airport, where a fighter jet transported the body to Mexico City. This decision was made to avoid potential further violence in Guadalajara.

Simultaneously, intelligence revealed that Hugo H, alias Eli, Mencho’s logistical and financial operator, was coordinating road blockades, vehicle burnings, and attacks on military and government installations from Elguro, Jalisco. He was also offering 20,000 pesos for each soldier killed. An airmobile unit deployed to Elguro, where Eli died in a firefight, yielding a long gun, handgun, 7,200,000 pesos, 965,000 cartridges, and the vehicle he was using.

All detainees and seized items were turned over to the specialized prosecutor's office for organized crime.

VI. Reinforcements and Security Measures

Following the operation, additional military personnel were deployed to Jalisco. Initially, 7,000 troops were stationed in the state, and reinforcements of 2,500 troops were dispatched via three Mexican Air Force planes from central Mexico and neighboring states. The primary objective of this reinforcement was to create a deterrent effect.

VII. Casualties and Recognition

The operation resulted in the deaths of eight criminals and the wounding of three soldiers (two during the initial cabin engagement and one during the final confrontation). The speaker offered condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and recognized the successful execution of the mission, emphasizing the strength of the Mexican state.

Quote: “It can be viewed from many perspectives, but it is clear that they fulfilled their mission and what was demonstrated the strength of the Mexican state. There is no doubt about that.” – Spokesperson for the Mexican Armed Forces.

Conclusion:

The operation against Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ("Mencho") represents a significant, albeit incomplete, victory for the Mexican Armed Forces. While Mencho’s death is a major blow to the CJNG, the cartel’s continued capacity for violence and disruption, as evidenced by the coordinated attacks and financial incentives offered to target soldiers, underscores the ongoing challenges in combating organized crime in Mexico. The operation highlights the importance of robust intelligence gathering, coordinated military action, and international cooperation in addressing this complex issue. The deployment of substantial reinforcements to Jalisco demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintaining security and preventing retaliatory actions by the cartel.