Mexican Army kills most wanted drug lord

Mexican soldiers on Sunday reportedly killed Nemesio Oseguera, also known as “El Mencho,” a powerful drug cartel leader who was one of the most wanted criminals in Mexico and the United States.

The Mexican government has not yet officially confirmed his death. Oseguera had a $15 million reward offered for information leading to his capture.

He was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most violent criminal groups.

His reported death is considered one of the biggest blows to drug trafficking groups since the arrests of Joaquín Guzmán, also known as “El Chapo,” and Ismael Zambada, founders of the Sinaloa cartel. Both are currently serving prison sentences in the United States.

Mexican newspapers El Universal and Reforma, along with the television network Televisa, reported that Oseguera was killed during a military operation.

Before the reported killing, armed men set vehicles on fire and blocked major roads in Jalisco, western Mexico.

This happened during a security operation targeting a major criminal figure. The violence also spread to the nearby state of Michoacán, where the cartel also operates.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel was formed in 2009 and grew into one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent drug trafficking organisations, according to the U.S. Justice Department. U.S. authorities have accused the group of smuggling cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States.

Further official confirmation from the Mexican government is still expected.