MEXICO CITY, Feb 23 (Reuters) – Mexican Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said notorious drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, alias “El Mencho”, was captured and died on Sunday, leaving 25 National Guard members and a security guard dead in a drug cartel attack.
Oceguera is Mexico’s most wanted fugitive and the mastermind of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
He died in custody after being wounded by Mexican special forces during a military operation in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco state, according to the Mexican Defense Ministry.
Mexican Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla said on Monday that information leading to Oceguera’s arrest and death came from a romantic partner of the crime boss. The United States is offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
His death sparked a wave of violence across Mexico, with drug cartel members blocking roads, burning cars and carrying out revenge attacks.
El Mencho’s death triggered “27 cowardly attacks against Jalisco authorities,” Harfuch told the president’s daily press conference on Monday, adding that 30 drug cartel members were killed as well as a bystander. At least 70 people were arrested in seven states.
“We are closely monitoring any reactions or reorganization within the cartels that could lead to violence,” he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday called on Mexico to step up its crackdown on drug cartels.
“Mexico must step up its fight against cartels and drugs!” he wrote in a social media post.
(Reporting by Raul Cortes and Aida Pelaez-Fernandez; Editing by Emily Green, Christian Plumb and Mark Porter)
