By Raul Cortes, Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and Sarah Morland
MEXICO CITY, Feb 23 (Reuters) - A visit from a romantic partner of infamous cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," led to his capture and death, Mexican authorities said in an assessment of Sunday's operation, after which 25 members of the National Guard military police were killed in retaliatory violence.
Oseguera, Mexico's most-wanted cartel leader, was the mastermind of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The U.S. had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
He died in a helicopter after being injured in a military operation by Mexican special forces in a wooded area outside the town of Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco, according to Mexico's defense ministry.
Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla said information from a confidante of one of Oseguera's romantic partners helped officials quickly plan the raid for the following day at the crime boss' compound.
During the raid, Oseguera's gunmen opened fire on security forces and the conflict moved to a cabin complex in a wooded area, where he was injured along with two of his bodyguards. The three were transported by helicopter to Mexico City but did not survive.
"Unfortunately, they died on the way," Trevilla said, speaking at the president's daily press conference.
RETALIATORY VIOLENCE SURGES ACROSS MEXICO
Oseguera's death triggered violence across Mexico, as cartel loyalists blocked roads and burned cars in retaliation against the government.
Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch told reporters at the press conference that 30 cartel members were killed in these attacks, as well as one bystander. At least 70 people were arrested in seven states.
Source: Drudge Report
