Mexico details how it took out its most-wanted cartel chief

MEXICO'S government laid out details of how it located the country’s most-wanted drugkingpin, stressing that USsecurity agents didn't actively participate in President Claudia Sheinbaum’s most direct confrontation with the cartels yet.

- By ALEX VASQUEZ

The most valuable information about Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes-the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel known as "El Mencho," who was killed Sunday-came from tracking a lover, according to Sheinbaum's top soldier.

After the cartel leader's location was identified, a fierce confrontation ensued, Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla Trejo told reporters Monday, speaking alongside Sheinbaum and hersecurity chief. Osegueramanaged to escape with his bodyguards to a wooded area, holding long weapons that included two rocket launchers.

The criminals were then surrounded by Mexican special forces and seriously wounded. While being transported to a hospital nearby, Oseguera died and his body was taken to Mexico City for security reasons.

Sheinbaum, wearing all black, stressed that while Washington provided some intelligence that helped locate the drug kingpin, Mexico conducted the raid on its own. "It is very important to note," the president said, "that all operations are carried out by federal forces. There is no involvement by US forces, but rather a significant exchange of information." The CIA was instrumental in removing Oseguera by providing relevant intelligence to Mexican partners, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Nearly three dozen criminals were killed in the operation and violence that flared across the country afterward, Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said. The National Guard lost 25 of its members, and one civilian was slain.

Fallout from Sunday's raid rattled markets, with the transport sectorhit particularly hard given roadblocks and flight cancellations.