How Mexico took down 'El Mencho': tracking a girlfriend and some crucial help from U.S. intelligence
Fortune • • nation
Key Points:
- Mexican special forces, aided by U.S. intelligence, captured cartel leader Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," in Jalisco after intense shootouts that left eight gunmen dead and the cartel leader wounded; he died en route to the hospital along with two bodyguards.
- The operation involved a coordinated land and air blockade with Mexican army, National Guard, and Air Force units, following intelligence tracking a trusted associate of Oseguera's romantic partner to confirm his location.
- The cartel responded with extreme violence, including the use of rocket launchers and armed resistance, resulting in over 70 deaths across multiple states, including security forces, cartel members, and civilians.
- A cartel operator known as "El Tuli
