Mexican authorities have confirmed the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco Recent Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a military operation on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The operation, which took place in the Tapalpa Country Club area of Jalisco, resulted in a fierce firefight and the seizure of significant weaponry, marking a major blow to the powerful drug cartel.
According to reports, as federal forces moved in, “El Mencho” and his security detail attempted to escape into the surrounding mountainous terrain. The residential complex of Cabañas La Loma became the scene of intense clashes between the Mexican Army and CJNG gunmen, who sought to prevent their leader’s capture.
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Despite initial attempts to evade authorities, “El Mencho’s” escape route was ultimately blocked by the military, leading to his apprehension. The operation underscores the Mexican government’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the CJNG and disrupt its operations.
The area surrounding the escape route revealed two vehicles belonging to “El Mencho’s” special forces incinerated, along with numerous spent cartridges from .50 caliber Barrett rifles, as well as 2.23 and 7.62mm rounds. Grenade launcher shells were also recovered at the scene.
Extensive damage was visible, with large areas of grass scorched. A thermos belonging to the CJNG’s special forces (FEM) was also found in the area.
Evidence of the confrontation between the cartel and the military remains visible on the hillsides. Photo:Valente Rosas / EL UNIVERSAL (GDA)
Traces of the firefight, including blood, bedding, clothing, and spent cartridges, are still visible on the hillsides. Forensic teams have completed their investigation of the area, collecting bodies and evidence.
A convoy of military personnel, consisting of three vehicles, initially secured the hillside, the site of the confrontation and “El Mencho’s” escape route. However, upon detecting a drone, the convoy relocated for security reasons.
El Mencho’s complex is located at kilometer 3 of the Tapalpa-San Gabriel highway. Photo:Valente Rosas / EL UNIVERSAL (GDA)
Another Hideout
Cabañas La Loma in Tapalpa served as another retreat and recreational hideout for the slain cartel boss, a location he frequented with his closest security team: the CJNG’s special forces.
The complex consists of 10 luxury properties located at kilometer 3 of the Tapalpa-San Gabriel highway, known locally as “the cabins of love” and were raided during Sunday’s operation by the Army and National Guard.
The Cabañas La Loma in Tapalpa were another hideout for El Mencho. Photo:Valente Rosas / EL UNIVERSAL (GDA)
Properties numbered 7 and 9, situated on the highest part of the hill, stand out for their luxury and were reportedly where the CJNG leader rested.
“All the cabins belong to them [the CJNG],” a neighbor who requested anonymity stated, adding that they were also rented to the public. This was confirmed by a sign at the main entrance advertising cabin rentals, with contact numbers 3339684225 and 3414399317.
A tour of the area revealed that cabin number 9, the most luxurious, featured a room decorated with mounted heads of gazelle, antelope, and zebra, a Masai shield from an African ethnic group, and a rug approximately 5 meters long made from the skins of various animals.
Two vehicles were found burned at the site of the confrontation between the cartel and the military. Photo:Valente Rosas / EL UNIVERSAL (GDA)
A hallway contained an altar to the Virgin of Guadalupe and Saint Jude Thaddeus, the saints to whom “El Mencho” reportedly prayed.
The cabin’s wooden ceiling is decorated with chandeliers made of deer antlers, and the terrace features a pool table and a children’s play area.
Inside cabin number 9, authorities discovered a black barber’s cape with an image of Oseguera Cervantes and the inscription “El Señor de los Gallos” (The Rooster Lord), as well as several handwritten letters. One letter, in a red envelope, read, “Don’t forget me. I love you very much. Yours forever,” and another stated, “Your blonde forever.”
Various handwritten texts were found in the property located in the Cabañas La Loma. Photo:Valente Rosas / EL UNIVERSAL (GDA)
A Ford Bronco Raptor, valued at approximately $2 million pesos, was abandoned at the cabin.
The remaining cabins, named Tulipanes, Margarita, and Mexicana, were less luxurious and reportedly housed “El Mencho’s” security team on Sunday, with tactical military-style clothing found inside.
Military personnel guard the hillside, where traces of the confrontation are still visible. Photo:Valente Rosas / EL UNIVERSAL (GDA)
