Photo: DEA
Mexican intelligence agencies were able to take out Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes by tracking him to his mistress' secluded resort compound, officials announced on Monday (February 23) via the New York Post.
Mexico's Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla confirmed that agents identified a man close to Cervantes' girlfriend ahead of the successful raid on Sunday (February 22). The woman was reportedly taken to Tapalpa, where Cervantes, 53, was shot during a firefight between his bodyguards and the Mexican military and died from injuries sustained while en route to Mexico City.
The deadly violence in response to Cervantes' killing has reportedly spread to at least two-thirds of Mexico's states, the New York Post reports. At least 20 of Mexico's 31 states have reported violence in the wake of Cervantes' arrest by Mexican special forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and death in custody on Sunday (February 22).
Cervantes was reportedly injured during a firefight between his bodyguards and the Mexican military and died from injuries sustained while en route to Mexico City. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro announced that much of the area was in a "code red" alert in a post shared on his X account Sunday.
“Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa a few hours ago, which has led to clashes in the area,” Navarro said. “Also as a result of said operation in various points of that region and in other parts of Jalisco, individuals have burned and blocked vehicles with the aim of hindering the actions of authorities.”
Puerto Vallarta is a popular resort town and tourists were advised to stay indoors after narco gangs lashed out following Cervantes' death. The United States Department urged American tourists visiting the area to shelter in place amid the threat of being trapped in the region.
“We are here at a hotel in the hotel zone,” a stranded tourist wrote in a post shared online. “Staying put until we get the all clear. All of the businesses in the area have closed.”
Flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports were reportedly diverted as major airlines canceled flights. Gunfire was reported at Guadalajara International Airport, which included a video shared online showing what appeared to be passengers frantically running for shelter.
The Pacific Airport Group said that the Mexican National Guard had been dispatched to the popular airport, but claimed it continued to operate as usual.
“It is important to clarify that no incidents have been reported inside the facilities, and there is no risk to passengers, staff or visitors,” the airport said in a statement obtained by the New York Post. “The information and material circulating on social media do not correspond with any danger at the terminals, rather to the panic among passengers.
Cervantes, a former police officer, rose to become one of Mexico's most feared cartel bosses after former leader Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman was arrested by American authorities and later convicted. The former drug pin was killed in Tapalpa in Jalisco during a raid by Mexican forces over the weekend.
“During this operation, military personnel were attacked, so in defense of their integrity, they repelled the aggression, resulting in four members of the CJNG criminal group being killed at the scene and three seriously injured who lost their lives during their transfer by air to Mexico City,” Mexican defense officials said in a statement obtained by the New York Post.