Rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft were seized during Sunday’s operation that killed cartel leader Ruben “Nemesio” Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” highlighting how Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has accumulated military-grade firepower over time.
Authorities have previously connected CJNG to a 2015 attack in Jalisco where cartel gunmen employed rocket-propelled grenades to take down a Mexican military helicopter—one of the most striking instances of a cartel directly clashing with federal forces using battlefield-level weaponry.
This attack represented a pivotal moment in how Mexican authorities perceived the group’s capabilities.
During Sunday’s raid, officials stated that security forces came under attack and returned fire, utilizing aircraft and specialized units to execute the operation. Authorities noted that troops confiscated armored vehicles and heavy weapons—equipment typically linked to armed conflict rather than standard law enforcement.
Mexican Special Forces, supported by Air Force aircraft and , participated in the mission, illustrating the level of force needed to confront top cartel leaders.
Former U.S. officials have characterized more akin to a paramilitary organization than a conventional drug-trafficking network, employing coordinated roadblocks, armed convoys, and structured enforcement units to assert control in disputed areas.
In previous reports, former Drug Enforcement Administration officials noted that the group controlled a large number of armed men and structured itself to enable rapid and visible deployment of force.
CJNG’s strategies have involved seizing vehicles and carrying out coordinated attacks in urban areas to showcase strength and deter rivals or security forces.
Over the years, these demonstrations have bolstered its reputation as one of Mexico’s most heavily armed criminal groups.
The State Department issued a Sunday urging Americans in multiple Mexican states to shelter in place due to “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity,” reflecting the instability that often follows major cartel confrontations.
In recent years, Mexican authorities have increasingly depended on – rather than local police – to confront senior cartel figures as groups like CJNG expanded their reach and arsenals.
The elimination of “El Mencho” not only removed a powerful drug lord but also served as another example of how heavily armed cartels can challenge state forces in direct clashes.