Holiday haven, last date to crime scene: The resort where Mexican drug lord El Mencho was hiding
Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Oseguera, aka El Mencho, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a dawn operation at a resort in Tapalpa.
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Here is an aerial view of the upscale resort, the “Tapalpa Country Club” in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, Mexico, where Colombian drug lord “El Mencho” was last found hiding before he was killed in a military operation. (Photo by Ulises RUIZ / AFP)(AFP)
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Gunfire and the sound of helicopters shattered the calm of the holiday resort in the western Mexican town of Tapalpa early on Sunday, sending shockwaves through tourists who had been enjoying a quiet getaway. Visitors staying at the luxury cabins described scenes of fear and confusion as heavy gunfire broke out at dawn. One tourist said the sound of automatic weapons firing from both the ground and the air grew steadily louder, creating an atmosphere of intense dread. According to his account, the exchange of fire continued for nearly two hours. (Photo by Ulises RUIZ / AFP)(AFP)
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The chaos unfolded during a large-scale operation by Mexican security forces targeting Nemesio Oseguera, the country’s most wanted drug lord and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Officials said Oseguera attempted to escape through the surrounding mountainous terrain but was injured during the operation and later died while being taken to hospital.(REUTERS)
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Local authorities initially asked tourists and residents to remain indoors as the operation unfolded. Those staying at the exclusive resort were eventually allowed to leave two days later, after security forces secured the area. Investigators believe Oseguera had been lying low at the resort with a companion, whom officials say played a role in helping authorities trace his location. Despite the cartel leader’s presence, he had largely avoided attention while staying at the Tapalpa Country Club. (Photo by Ulises RUIZ / AFP)(AFP)
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