Mexican security forces have killed notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known by his alias “El Mencho,” in a major operation that authorities said represents one of the most significant blows to organized crime in recent years.

Oseguera, the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a pre-dawn raid carried out by Mexican military forces in western Mexico, according to senior government officials. 

The operation reportedly involved intelligence gathered over several months and coordination between the Mexican Army and federal security agencies.

Oseguera was fatally shot during the operation.