A girlfriend of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, played a crucial role in helping Mexican authorities locate him before he was killed in a military operation, officials have disclosed.

Oseguera, popularly known as “El Mencho,” was wounded during a clash with soldiers on Sunday in Tapalpa, a village in Jalisco state, and died while being airlifted to a hospital. He had been one of Mexico’s most wanted drug traffickers.

Mexico’s Defence Secretary, Ricardo Trevilla, said intelligence agents learned that one of Oseguera’s romantic partners planned to meet him at a residence in Tapalpa. The intelligence was supported by the United States Northern Command.

According to Trevilla, the woman was transported to the house by a trusted associate and met with Oseguera on Saturday before departing, leaving him with his security detail. Authorities then moved in after confirming his presence at the location.

The operation was carried out by Mexico’s National Guard Special Immediate Reaction Force, involving coordinated land and air manoeuvres. Troops approached discreetly to maintain the element of surprise before launching the raid.

During the confrontation, Oseguera and his guards reportedly attempted to flee into a forested area. Officials said he was found with multiple assault weapons and rocket launchers. He and two of his escorts were wounded in the exchange of fire and later died while being transported to a hospital in Guadalajara.

The bodies were subsequently flown to Mexico City and handed over to the appropriate authorities. Mexico’s Security Secretary, Omar García Harfuch, said Oseguera’s remains would be released to his family.

Authorities also confirmed the death of his alleged right-hand man, known as “El Tuli,” who was reportedly coordinating retaliatory attacks in Jalisco.

Following Oseguera’s death, violence erupted across several Mexican states, including road blockades and the burning of vehicles. The government deployed thousands of soldiers to restore order, with calm returning to most areas by Monday, though isolated unrest persisted in parts of Jalisco and neighbouring Michoacán.