MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Mexican army says it has killed the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in a military operation. On Sunday, troops targeted Nemesio Rub Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in the western state of Jalisco. The operation set off hours of roadblocks and burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states. Officials say cartels often use these tactics to slow down or block military moves.
The U.S. State Department warned U.S. citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon states to remain in safe places due to the ongoing security operations. Canada’s embassy in Mexico warned its citizens in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place and generally to keep a low profile in Jalisco.
Several airlines, including Fort Worth based American and Dallas based Southwest have canceled flights into Puerto Vallarta and other parts of Mexico.
The U.S. State Department has offered a reward of up to 15 million dollars for information leading to El Mencho’s arrest. In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization. U.S. Citizens should remain indoors and avoid areas of large law enforcement presence.
