Mexican military forces killed a suspected leader of the Los Reyes cartel during an operation in western Mexico, the country’s defense ministry reported on Tuesday. The individual, identified as Luis Enrique Barragan Chavez, was targeted in the town of Tocumbo, located in the state of Michoacan.

Barragan was described by U.S. authorities as a key hitman for the Los Reyes cartel, which operates as a faction within the larger Carteles Unidos criminal organization. The U.S. government had offered a $3 million reward for information leading to his capture, underscoring his significance within the cartel’s hierarchy.

The military operation reflects Mexico’s ongoing efforts to intensify its campaign against organized crime and drug trafficking groups. The defense ministry's announcement did not provide further details about the circumstances of the confrontation or whether any other individuals were involved or detained during the operation.

Los Reyes cartel, active in the western regions of Mexico, has been linked to violent clashes with rival groups and security forces in recent years. This latest development marks a notable event in the government’s broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks responsible for drug trafficking, violence, and other illicit activities across the country.