Mexican Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’ Killed in Military Operation
One of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a military operation in Mexico on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) marks a significant development in Mexico’s ongoing struggle against powerful drug cartels and could have ramifications for regional security.
According to officials, the shootout occurred in Tapalpa, Jalisco, leaving Oseguera seriously injured. He died while being transferred by air to Mexico City. Six other cartel members were also killed during the operation and two were arrested.
The Mexican defense ministry reported that authorities seized a substantial arsenal, including rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft and destroying armored vehicles. They also noted that U.S. Authorities provided “complementary information” that aided in the operation.
Oseguera, a former police officer, led the CJNG, a cartel that rapidly grew to rival the Sinaloa Cartel, once headed by the imprisoned Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. The CJNG is notorious for its displays of ultraviolence and its extensive military-style weaponry.
The operation sparked a wave of violence across more than half a dozen states, with reports of torched cars and gunmen blocking highways. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on social media that there was “absolute coordination with the governments of all states,” and affirmed a commitment to “peace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico.”
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to remain home until the situation was under control.
The death of El Mencho represents a major victory in Mexico’s fight against drug cartels responsible for smuggling billions of dollars worth of cocaine and fentanyl into the United States. USA Today has more on the story.
Early reports indicate a chaotic aftermath, with The Guardian detailing scenes of disorder and violence erupting across several Mexican states following the news of Oseguera’s death.
Authorities confirmed that the 59-year-aged cartel boss died alongside at least six accomplices. Footage from the scene in Tapalpa, located in the Sierra Madre mountain range, showed evidence of heavy fighting. The Los Angeles Times reports that the military operation was carried out under pressure from the Trump administration to address drug trafficking concerns.
The operation and its aftermath are still unfolding, and the long-term impact on the CJNG and the broader landscape of drug trafficking in Mexico remains to be seen.
