Mexican special forces have killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho”, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). His death on Sunday, February 22, 2026, sparked a wave of retaliatory violence that left 25 National Guard members dead across six separate incidents, authorities confirmed Monday.
Operation and Retaliation
The operation took place in Oseguera’s home state of Jalisco, where cartel members responded with widespread violence blocking roads, torching vehicles, and targeting security forces. According to Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch, around 30 criminal suspects were killed in Jalisco and four more in neighboring Michoacán. A prison guard, a state prosecutor’s agent, and an unidentified woman also lost their lives.
A Notorious Kingpin Falls
“El Mencho” had led one of Mexico’s fastest-growing criminal networks, trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States. He died after a firefight in wooded terrain, along with two bodyguards, while being airlifted to Mexico City.
International Role and Aftermath
The White House confirmed that U.S. intelligence support was provided for the operation. In the aftermath, several states canceled school on Monday as authorities worked to clear more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm as security forces sought to restore order.
Conclusion
The death of “El Mencho” marks a major blow to the CJNG but also underscores the volatility of Mexico’s security landscape. With retaliatory attacks already claiming dozens of lives, authorities face the challenge of containing violence while dismantling one of the country’s most dangerous cartels.
