At Least 74 Killed, Including 25 National Guard Members, After Death of Jalisco Cartel Leader in Mexico

At Least 74 Killed, Including 25 National Guard Members, After Death of Jalisco Cartel Leader in Mexico
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At least 74 people, including 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard, were killed following a major security operation targeting the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, authorities said.

The violence erupted on Sunday in the western state of Jalisco, after security forces attempted to arrest cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.” Officials said Oseguera was wounded during the operation and later died while being airlifted to the capital.

According to Mexican authorities, the attempted arrest triggered a wave of retaliatory violence attributed to cartel members. Armed attacks and clashes were reported in several areas across western Mexico, resulting in dozens of deaths, including security personnel and civilians.

In response to the escalation, the federal government announced the deployment of approximately 2,500 additional troops to the affected regions in an effort to restore order and contain further attacks.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in a press conference that protecting civilians and reinforcing security remain the government’s top priorities. She added that federal forces would continue operations against organized crime groups to prevent the violence from spreading further.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is considered one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico, and clashes linked to its activities have frequently destabilized parts of the country’s west.