Tapalpa: inside the Mexican town where El Mencho made his last stand

Mexican authorities announced that Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, died after a firefight near Tapalpa, and the town remains tense as security forces and road crews work to secure and reopen access.

Mexican authorities said their forces engaged and wounded Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, and he later died after being moved toward hospital. The operation took place near Tapalpa, a small tourist town in Jalisco known for pine forests and cobbled streets where the leader had reportedly stayed. Reported assistance from foreign intelligence and drone surveillance was cited in some accounts, and the event prompted widespread unrest across parts of the country. Local residents and businesses remained on edge in the days after the operation as security personnel and repair crews moved through the area. Key facts: - Mexico's defence ministry announced the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes (known as El Mencho) after a firefight near Tapalpa. - Reports said the operation involved Mexican special forces and cited possible intelligence and aerial support from foreign partners. - Authorities reported unrest and coordinated attacks across multiple states in response to the operation, with more than 60 people reported killed. - Tapalpa remained tense in the days after, with security forces and road crews present to secure and repair access to the town. Summary: The operation removed a long-sought cartel leader and was followed by disturbances that affected travel and local life across several regions, leaving residents uneasy. Undetermined at this time.