Oseguera, 59, died in custody from injuries sustained after clashes erupted as troops came under attack while transporting him to Mexico City, the Mexican Defense Ministry said, adding that three other CJNG members were killed and three soldiers were injured in the operation.
The ministry said the mission was “planned and executed” by Mexico’s special forces and that, “for the execution of this operation, in addition to the central military intelligence efforts, within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the USA,” American authorities provided information that assisted with the operation.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said US intelligence had provided “support to the Mexican government” and described Oseguera as a “top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland.”
The US State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Oseguera, a former police officer, led the CJNG, which US authorities have described as one of the largest and most violent drug trafficking organizations operating in Mexico and responsible for exporting large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States.
“Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has been indicted several times in the United States for drug trafficking,” a December 2024 State Department post said.
“Most recently, in April 2022, Oseguera was charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl for importation into the United States; and use of a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes.”
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described Oseguera as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.”
His killing is “a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world,” Landau said. “The good guys are stronger than the bad guys.”
Retaliatory unrest spreads
In the hours following the operation, suspected CJNG members set up roadblocks with burning vehicles and attacked businesses, prompting authorities to declare heightened security measures.
Mexico’s Security Cabinet said around 250 roadblocks were reported nationwide at the height of the unrest, including dozens in Jalisco, though by its latest update four blockades remained active in the state.
The cabinet said 25 people had been arrested, including 11 for alleged participation in violent acts and 14 for alleged looting and pillaging.
Shops were set on fire and about 20 bank branches were attacked, it added.
Gunfire was reported in Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital and a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and smoke was seen rising over several cities, including the Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta.
Tourists in Puerto Vallarta described the area as a “war zone.”
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a code red, suspending public transport and cancelling mass events and in-person classes.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was “absolute coordination” between state and federal authorities and urged residents to remain “calm and informed.”
Sheinbaum added that “in most parts of the country, activities are proceeding normally.”
There were no immediate reports of civilian casualties.
International response and travel disruptions
As the unrest disrupted transport, several airlines canceled flights to and from Jalisco.
Air Canada suspended service to Puerto Vallarta, while American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines reported cancellations and delays.
The US Embassy in Mexico urged Americans to “shelter in place” in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon, citing roadblocks that had affected airline operations in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
The embassy said taxis and ride shares were suspended in Puerto Vallarta and some businesses had halted operations.
The United Kingdom government reported “serious security incidents” in Jalisco and advised travelers to exercise extreme caution and follow local authorities’ guidance.