Home / War and Conflict / El Mencho's Hideout Raid: Drug Lord Killed in Tapalpa
El Mencho's Hideout Raid: Drug Lord Killed in Tapalpa
23 Feb
Summary
- Top drug lord El Mencho was killed in a Mexican military operation.
- The raid occurred at a secret hideout in the town of Tapalpa.
- Over 50 people died in the raid's aftermath and counteroffensive.
Mexican military forces have conducted a decisive operation in Tapalpa, leading to the death of the notorious drug lord El Mencho. The operation targeted a secret hideout where El Mencho was staying with a girlfriend, whose movements were tracked by agents prior to the raid.
Following the girlfriend's departure from a resort compound, military troops initiated the raid. They encountered heavy resistance from El Mencho's well-armed security, including rocket launchers, sparking a significant gunfight and subsequent chase.
The confrontation resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including El Mencho and two bodyguards. However, the cartel's counteroffensive in the aftermath of the raid caused a greater number of casualties, with over 50 people killed, including 25 Mexican soldiers and security officers, and 30 alleged gunmen.
President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed her early notification of the operation and stated that no US personnel were directly involved, despite intelligence sharing. El Mencho's former wife, Rosalinda González Valencia, was previously imprisoned for money laundering.
