Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for calm, assuring the public that the day is proceeding normally, following the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a military operation this Sunday, which has sparked a wave of unrest in at least 14 states.
“The Ministry of National Defense reported on the operation carried out this morning by federal forces, which resulted in various roadblocks and other reactions. There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm,” she stated on her social media account.
The Mexican leader, who emphasized that the Security Cabinet is providing “constant updates” through its social media channels, assured that “activities are proceeding normally throughout most of the country” and that the authorities are working “every day for the peace, security, justice, and well-being of Mexico.”
She also took the opportunity to express her “appreciation” to this agency, as well as to the Army, the National Guard, and the Armed Forces, following an operation that resulted in the capture of the alleged leader of the CJNG cartel and six other members of the group.
The Mexican Foreign Ministry also expressed its support, stating that it “commends the courageous work” of the Defense Ministry personnel and the entire Security Cabinet, and “expresses its solidarity with those who risked their lives in today’s operation.”
“In Mexico, the rule of law prevails, and under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum, we work every day to guarantee the security and well-being of our country,” added the ministry headed by Juan Ramón de la Fuente.
Oseguera’s death occurred in Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco, according to the Mexican Defense Ministry, where Army special forces carried out an operation involving several aircraft aimed at capturing Oseguera.
The soldiers were attacked and returned fire, resulting in the deaths of four members of the CJNG cartel and serious injuries to three others, who died during air transport to Mexico City. Among those arrested is alias “Mencho,” according to the Defense Ministry statement, which also confirmed the arrest of two other members of the group and the seizure of weapons and armored vehicles.
Three members of the Army were wounded and have been transferred to Mexico City for emergency medical treatment in an operation that, the Defense Ministry emphasizes, “received additional information from U.S. authorities.”
The operation has focused on Tapalpa, about 150 kilometers south of the state capital, Guadalajara, but covers practically the entire coast, including Puerto Vallarta, municipalities in the southern part of the state, and particularly Guadalajara and surrounding municipalities, where public transportation was suspended starting at 9:00 a.m. and residents have been asked to stay indoors.
