CJNG Downed Helicopter: Federal Agent survivor defies odds

Lucio R. Borderland Beat using material from BB-Reforma-Noticias Terra

The federal operation took place in the wee hours of May 1^st- the goal was to capture Nemesio Oseguera, "El Mencho", supreme leader of CJNG.

The plan was a familiar one, one used to catch capos in the past.   Federal Forces moved guided by intelligence information to the area where the leader of the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) was located.

The operating tried for a repeat of success, by implementing a surprise deployment I the hour between 3 and 4 AM.  Ideally when El Mencho would least suspect an attack and is most vulnerable.

Helicopter aerial surveillance was the key to the arrest. This happened, for example, with the arrest of Miguel Trevino, alias "Z40", arrested in July 2013 on a road south of Nuevo Laredo.

But this time the plan failed.

click on any image to enlarge

The Helicopter  was carrying paratroopers

The Mexican Air Force helicopter was gunned down at Casimiro Castillo-Villa Purificación Highway.

The helicopter was carrying parachutists that would rappel down to support an operation on the ground, which was deployed to intercept a convoy protecting the CJNG capo. [Who was supposed to  in the municipality of Tonaya]

The first three riflemen descended down, while the aircraft held position to accommodate their decline.  The three touched ground when they were met with gunfire.

The low position of the helicopter was perfect for El Mencho’s loyalists to initiate their assault. 

Their first target was the pilot, who was killed by shooting.  Then came the first RPG impact and it was that impact that brought down the helicopter. 

Some soldiers jumped. Several were caught in trees. Others were burned.

Refoma sources said that El Mencho was aware of the pending operation by the feds and  had convoys out searching for them. 

And in the mayhem, “El Mencho” premier leader of Cartel Jalisco New Generation, escaped.

It was, the fifth time that the head of CNJG eluded security forces.

After the Mexican numbers game being played for months, finally official tally is, aside from the crew, 8 federal elements perished.  Agent Ivan Morales survived the fiery take down, although he was given little to no  chance of survival.

Survivor burned over 70% of his body

The doctors saw no chance of survival. The CJNG (cartel Jalisco New Generation) attack  left federal agent Ivan Morales with burns over 70 percent of the body.

Defying all odds and expectations, Morales survived.  

He says he owes his survival to an image he never lost sight of.  The vision to see the birth of his child.  His girlfriend was pregnant at the time of the crash, news he had only learned a few hours before the operation, via telephone.

Saying it was the greatest news ever given him, he was to become a father for the first time.

That same day, the agent was assigned to an operation in Jalisco to capture "El Mencho" where the agent came face to face with death. The Sedena helicopter he was traveling in was shot down by the criminal group. 

He was transferred to The Central Military Hospital where he clung to life, after doctors said there was little that could be done.

He insisted he would survive.  He told officials who visited him and the doctors who attended him. "I will be a father", never tiring of saying those words, staying focused on the vision.

After dozens of surgeries, the agent was finally discharged. 

He married his girlfriend in the hospital.  He was anxious and ready to go home to his wife and son. His high spirit always remained intact, he insisted on wearing his uniform as he left the hospital.

On 22 December, President Enrique awarded agent Morales a commendation medal, in recognition of the heroism and service he gave for his country. A choice he did not have to make.  He is a college graduate, with a Bachelor’s degree in administration and hotel management, he had significant career choices. 

He chose to enlist and serve his country. 

The eight agents killed in action were given posthumous awards at the same ceremony.  Mothers and wives accepted the honor.