Mexico’s Most Wanted Drug Lord El Mencho Killed in Military Operation

Mexico City, February 22, 2026: Mexico’s most wanted drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” has been killed during a major military operation, according to Mexico’s defence ministry.

El Mencho was the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). He died on Sunday after being seriously injured in clashes between his supporters and Mexican army forces.

Officials said he was being transported to Mexico City when he succumbed to his injuries.

Heavy Clashes in Jalisco

The operation took place in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state. Four CJNG members were killed. Three army personnel were injured.

Mexico’s special forces led the mission. Aircraft from the Mexican Air Force and National Guard supported the operation. Authorities seized armored vehicles and heavy weapons, including rocket launchers.

The United States reportedly shared intelligence that helped Mexican forces locate the cartel leader.

Cartel Violence Spreads Across Eight States

Following the operation, CJNG launched violent retaliation.

Cartel members set vehicles on fire. They built roadblocks and attacked security forces in at least eight states.

The US State Department issued a shelter-in-place alert for American citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, and parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo urged citizens to remain calm. She said that most parts of the country were functioning normally despite the unrest.

Public transport was suspended in Jalisco. Several airlines cancelled flights to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta due to security concerns.

Who Was El Mencho?

El Mencho was a 59-year-old former police officer. He built CJNG into one of the most feared drug cartels in the world.

The group trafficked cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States. The US government had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration considers CJNG a major rival to the Sinaloa cartel. The group operates across Mexico and has influence in all 50 US states.

Since October 2024, US authorities have seized more than 9,200 pounds of fentanyl. About 96% was intercepted at the southwest border with Mexico.

Major Blow to Drug Cartels

Security experts say the killing of El Mencho is one of the most significant actions against organized crime in recent history.

Former US officials described him as one of the most ruthless cartel leaders. Analysts believe this development could strengthen security cooperation between Mexico and the United States.

However, experts warn that cartel violence may continue in the short term as power struggles begin inside CJNG.