How Mexico tracked down 'El Mencho' through one of the drug kingpin’s girlfriends
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The death of Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," one of Mexico's most elusive drug lords, was achieved through an operation that relied on the help of one of his girlfriends. Mexican military intelligence tracked her movements after she planned to meet him in Tapalpa, a village near Guadalajara. This led soldiers to Oseguera's location, where he was surrounded and eventually killed during a fierce clash with troops. The operation, supported by U.S. Northern Command, involved both land and air forces to maintain secrecy and surprise. El Mencho, armed with an arsenal including rocket launchers, was fatally wounded alongside two of his security escorts while hiding in a forested area near his compound.
El Mencho, the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), had evaded capture for years, even shooting down a military helicopter in 2015. His death marks a significant blow to organized crime in Mexico, though it has already sparked violent reprisals across the country. His right-hand man, "El Tuli," was also killed, and CJNG members set up roadblocks and burned vehicles in response to their leaders' deaths. Despite this, calm began to return as authorities deployed thousands of soldiers nationwide.
The operation highlights the challenges Mexico faces in its ongoing fight against drug cartels. El Mencho's influence extended beyond Mexico; he was on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's most-wanted list with a $15 million bounty. His death could disrupt CJNG operations, but it may also lead to increased violence as the cartel jostles for control. The broader implications of his removal could shape Mexico's security landscape and its relationship with U.S. law enforcement efforts against organized crime.
The story underscores the complex and often dangerous dynamics of drug cartels in Latin America. While El Mencho's death is a significant victory for Mexican authorities, it also serves as a reminder of the enduring power and adaptability of such criminal networks. The situation remains fluid, with potential for further violence as CJNG members seek to assert control and avenge their fallen leader.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/24/2026