The killing of 'El Mencho': Why Mexico decided to take on the cartels

On Sunday, authorities in Mexico attempted to capture the notorious cartel boss known as “El Mencho”.

They tracked Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes down to a cabin in the western state of Jalisco – his stronghold – and he was fatally wounded in the raid. The firefight also killed several of his heavily-armed accomplices, including his likely successor.

He was head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), known for trafficking vast quantities of fentanyl and cocaine into the US.

In 2025 it was designated a foreign terrorist organisation by Donald Trump‘s administration.

His death prompted waves of violent retaliation as the cartel put on a show of strength in areas far beyond Jalisco and into tourist hotspots.

The authorities have calmed the situation – for now – but fears are mounting that more violence will erupt as the cartel seeks to regroup after the death of its leader.

And that has brought the soccer World Cup – just months away – into sharp focus with questions about the ability of the Mexican authorities to keep soccer fans safe.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. 

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