MEXICO CITY: Mexico confirmed on Sunday that a powerful drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, who was one of the most wanted men here and in the United States, was killed in a raid amid a wave of violence in Jalisco and neighbouring states.

The 59-year-old leader of the violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was wounded in a clash with soldiers in the town of Tapalpa and died while being flown to Mexico City, the army said in a statement.

He had a $15 million bounty on his head.

Oseguera, whose nickname was “El Mencho,” is one of the biggest Mexican drug suspects to be taken down since the capture of the founders of the Sinaloa cartel, Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman and Ismael Zambada. Both are now serving time in the US.

In its statement, the defence ministry said that several armoured vehicles and weapons, including rocket launchers, were seized during the operation. It added three soldiers were wounded and taken to hospital in Mexico City.

Violence spreads to several states

Earlier, people with guns set cars and trucks on fire in the western state of Jalisco, blocking roads in response to a security operation taking place in the region.

This technique is used to thwart police trying to move in on a high-value target. The violence spread to the neighboring state of Michoacan, where Oseguera’s cartel also has a presence.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro on social media advised residents of the state to adhere to a code red warning and avoid leaving their homes.

Also, the US State Department issued a shelter-in-place warning for US citizens in Jalisco State, Tamaulipas State, and areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State.

The United States had classified the Jalisco cartel as a terrorist organisation and accuses it of sending cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed the operation and called Oseguera “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins”. “This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys,” he added.

Meanwhile, Canada issued a travel advisory, pointing out that “criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in southwestern Mexico, especially in the following areas: Jalisco State, including Puerto Vallarta, Guerrero State, including Acapulco Michoacan state. “There have been shootouts with security forces and explosions. There are significant disruptions to travel and transportation, including flight delays and cancellations.”

It stated, “If you are in southwestern Mexico, keep a low profile, monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation, follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place before making your way to the airport, check with your airline to determine if there are delays or changes in flight schedules.”

Meanwhile, Air Canada said it temporarily suspended operations in Jalisco’s Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast, a popular beach resort for Canadians and Americans.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2026