Infamous Cartel Chief Killed in Jalisco Operation
Mexican security forces have confirmed that Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a targeted military operation on February 22, 2026. The raid took place near Tapalpa in Jalisco state, where authorities acted on intelligence, including information tied to a close associate of the fugitive drug lord.
Officials say El Mencho was seriously wounded in a gunfight with Mexican special forces and later died while being transported by helicopter to receive medical care. At least six other cartel members were also killed during the operation.
Retaliation and Chaos Across Multiple States
El Mencho’s death ignited immediate and intense retaliation from cartel loyalists. Across Jalisco and neighboring regions, suspected CJNG affiliates blocked major highways with burning vehicles, torched buses and businesses, and set up roadside blockades. Widespread unrest forced local authorities to cancel school sessions and issue shelter-in-place advisories in several states.
Security forces reported heavy clashes in multiple locations. At least 25 members of the Mexican National Guard were killed in retaliation attacks, and dozens of arrests were made during coordinated efforts to restore order. Explosions and shootouts continued to disrupt travel and daily life, including the suspension of some airline services within the country.
Implications for Mexico’s Drug War and Future Unrest
El Mencho was one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals, notorious for his role in trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and other illegal substances across North America. The U.S. government had placed a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
While authorities have reclaimed control over many affected regions, analysts warn that the CJNG’s leadership void could lead to internal power struggles and further violence if rival commanders vie for dominance. The federal government, meanwhile, described the operation as a major victory in its ongoing campaign against organised crime, even as it grapples with the immediate fallout of retaliatory unrest.
