Overview
- Mexican special forces moved on Tapalpa on Feb. 22, killing four cartel members at the scene and detaining Nemesio Oseguera, who died of wounds during an airlift to Mexico City along with two escorts.
- Officials said the operation yielded heavy weapons, including armored vehicles and rocket launchers seized from the group.
- The government deployed 2,500 additional soldiers to Jalisco, bringing the security presence to 9,500 following retaliation linked to the raid.
- Reprisals included vehicle burnings and roadblocks across 11 states—85 blockades were cleared by Feb. 23—with Puerto Vallarta airport canceling all flights; 25 National Guard members were reported killed and 70 suspects arrested.
- The United States had posted a $15 million reward for Oseguera and provided information support, while Reuters cited U.S. officials saying U.S. military personnel may have taken part in the operation.