Mexican Forces Eliminate Drug Kingpin El Mencho, But Viral Video Raises Questions

Mexican security forces have reportedly eliminated one of the country’s most notorious drug lords, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as “El Mencho,” leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The operation, conducted on February 22, targeted the kingpin at his hideout in Jalisco, according to government sources.

El Mencho’s death marks a significant victory in Mexico’s ongoing battle against organized crime. The CJNG has grown to become one of Mexico’s most violent and powerful criminal organizations under his leadership, with operations spanning across multiple states and international borders.

However, controversy has emerged surrounding viral footage claiming to show the raid that led to El Mencho’s death. The widely circulated video depicts uniformed personnel moving tactically through a building while firing automatic weapons. At one point, a man can be seen sitting helplessly on the floor with his hands raised in surrender.

Social media users quickly amplified the footage, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) claiming: “Video has been released showing Mexican military forces killing CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, ‘El Mencho’, at his hideout in Jalisco, Mexico. The footage reveals his escape route.”

A fact-checking investigation has revealed that the viral video is actually from 2016 and shows an entirely different operation – the capture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, former leader of the rival Sinaloa Cartel. The footage was originally published by the Wall Street Journal on January 16, 2016, documenting the raid in Los Mochis, Mexico, that resulted in El Chapo’s arrest following a shootout.

That operation, codenamed “Black Swan,” involved seventeen elite units of Mexican Marines and resulted in five cartel guards killed and four individuals detained. The mission ended El Chapo’s brief period of freedom following his dramatic 2015 prison escape through a sophisticated tunnel.

The confusion surrounding the video highlights the challenge of verifying information in the digital age, particularly regarding high-profile cartel operations where official details are often limited.

El Mencho’s reported elimination represents a potential power shift in Mexico’s criminal landscape. Under his leadership, the CJNG evolved from a splinter group of the Milenio Cartel into one of Mexico’s most formidable criminal enterprises, known for its extreme violence and territorial expansion.

Security experts have long considered El Mencho among the most wanted criminals in both Mexico and the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice had offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture, reflecting his organization’s significant role in trafficking drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border.

The CJNG has distinguished itself through sophisticated weaponry, including the use of drone attacks, and a willingness to directly confront Mexican security forces. In 2020, the group was responsible for an assassination attempt on Mexico City’s police chief, highlighting its boldness and reach.

Mexican authorities have yet to release official footage or detailed information about the operation against El Mencho, which is standard procedure as they verify the identity of the deceased and assess potential security threats from cartel members seeking revenge.

The elimination of cartel leaders often leads to internal power struggles and fragmentation within criminal organizations, sometimes resulting in increased violence as lieutenants compete for control. Security analysts will be watching closely for signs of instability within CJNG territories in the coming weeks.

As Mexico continues its complex battle against powerful drug cartels, the confusion surrounding viral content underscores the importance of verifying information from official sources before drawing conclusions about major security operations.