Mexican Forces Kill ‘El Mencho,’ Country’s Most Powerful Cartel Leader, Sparking Violent Backlash
Mexico City, Mexico — Mexican security forces have killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho” , the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) — one of the most powerful and violent criminal organisations in Mexico and a major supplier of illicit drugs to the United States. The operation marked a major milestone in the government’s long-running effort to crack down on drug trafficking and organised crime, but it also sparked a fierce and immediate backlash from cartel operatives across several states, demonstrating the organisation’s enduring capacity for violence.
El Mencho, who had eluded capture for years despite being one of Mexico’s most wanted fugitives and a high-profile target for both Mexican and U.S. authorities offering multi-million-dollar rewards, was wounded during a coordinated military raid on Sunday, 22 February 2026, in the town of Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco. He later died from his injuries while being airlifted to Mexico City for urgent medical treatment, according to the Mexican Defence Department, bringing an end to one of the most extensive manhunts in modern Mexican history.
The Operation: Planning and Execution
The assault on El Mencho was conducted by elements of the Mexican Army, the National Guard and specialised security units, and was based on intelligence-led targeting that identified a location where the cartel leader was believed to be hiding after years of evading detection through an extensive network of lookouts and safe houses. Mexican officials said the raid was carefully planned with weeks of surveillance and “complementary intelligence” support from the United States, where El Mencho had long appeared on wanted lists and carried a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture.
When security forces moved in on the rural property, they encountered heavy gunfire from cartel gunmen, who were heavily armed with weapons including assault rifles, machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenades. In the ensuing gunfight, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, several cartel members were killed and others were wounded as soldiers pressed their advantage.
Armoured vehicles, rocket launchers and other high-powered weaponry were seized by authorities at the site, providing further evidence of the CJNG’s military-grade capabilities that have allowed it to challenge state forces in some regions. El Mencho sustained serious injuries during the engagement and was evacuated by air, but he did not survive despite urgent medical attention.
The Defence Department confirmed that four cartel members were killed at the scene, while three, including El Mencho, died from their wounds later. In addition, security forces arrested two suspected associates who are now providing intelligence to investigators. Three Mexican soldiers were also wounded and are being treated, officials said, highlighting the risks faced by security personnel in such operations.
Who Was El Mencho?
El Mencho, approximately 59 years old, was the founder and head of the CJNG, a criminal organisation that has grown into one of Mexico’s most formidable and violent drug trafficking groups over the past decade, expanding from regional player to international syndicate. Under his leadership, the CJNG expanded rapidly, becoming a major supplier of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin, especially to the United States, where the cartel’s networks span all 50 states and distribution reaches millions of users.
The cartel was also known for its aggressive tactics and heavy arsenal, including the use of improvised explosive devices, drone attacks against security forces, and public displays of extreme violence designed to intimidate rivals and government officials alike. U.S. authorities once designated the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organisation, underscoring its brutality and reach in ways rarely applied to criminal groups.
El Mencho was a former police officer who had risen through the ranks of organised crime, working with various groups before founding the CJNG and building it into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. His ability to evade capture for years, despite massive manhunts and extensive intelligence operations, made him one of Mexico’s most elusive targets and a symbol of the cartel’s resilience.
His personal wealth was estimated in the billions, derived from drug sales that flooded the United States with deadly fentanyl, contributing to the opioid crisis that has claimed hundreds of thousands of American lives.
Violent Aftermath: Cartel Retaliation
El Mencho’s death immediately triggered a wave of violence and unrest across several Mexican states, particularly in areas where the CJNG has strong influence and a significant presence. Cartel gunmen set fires, blocked roads with burning vehicles and trucks, and engaged in skirmishes with security forces in a coordinated show of force designed to demonstrate that the organisation remains operational despite losing its leader.
Videos circulated online showing smoke rising over Guadalajara — Jalisco’s capital and one of the host cities for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup — while other cities experienced similar turmoil as commercial districts were targeted. The scenes of chaos raised immediate concerns about security for the international sporting event.
Local authorities reported that cartel operatives blocked roads at dozens of points, forcing authorities to close some schools, suspend public transport and alert residents to stay indoors as violence spread unpredictably. The major coastal resort Puerto Vallarta saw flights cancelled by international carriers due to security concerns, impacting tourism and local economies.
The violence spread to neighbouring states such as Michoacán, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas and Nayarit, leaving at least some casualties and widespread fear among civilians who found themselves caught in the crossfire of cartel-state conflict. The coordinated nature of the response suggested advance planning for the possibility of their leader’s death.
Government Reaction and International Response
In the wake of the operation, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the military for its role in the raid, calling it a significant achievement in the fight against organised crime that has plagued Mexico for decades. She emphasised that federal authorities are coordinating with state and local governments to maintain public order and ensure normal activities in most parts of the country, despite the violence.
The United States government also welcomed the outcome, with senior officials describing El Mencho as one of the “bloodiest and most ruthless” drug kingpins in recent memory and lauding Mexico’s security forces for their efforts in bringing him to justice. U.S. drug enforcement officials noted that his death would disrupt but not eliminate the flow of drugs.
At the same time, U.S. diplomats expressed concern over the violence that followed the operation and urged citizens in affected regions to follow safety advisories and avoid unnecessary travel to areas experiencing unrest.
Canada issued similar travel warnings, and several airlines announced flight disruptions to Mexican destinations in the midst of heightened security operations, affecting travellers and tourism-dependent businesses.
What Lies Ahead
While the death of El Mencho represents a major blow to the CJNG leadership and a significant victory for law enforcement, observers and analysts caution that the cartel remains a potent force with deep networks and substantial resources. With no clear successor immediately apparent and other high-ranking lieutenants already incarcerated, the group may undergo internal power struggles, potentially leading to further violence and fragmentation as factions compete for control.
Mexico’s government has underscored that its anti-cartel strategy will continue despite the risks, seeking to prevent criminal organisations from regaining strength through sustained pressure and intelligence operations. Security experts say that dismantling a cartel’s network — rather than just eliminating its leader — is key to long-term success, but achieving that will require sustained effort, international cooperation and robust law enforcement strategies that address both supply and demand.
The operation that killed El Mencho may be remembered as one of the most significant moments in Mexico’s battle against organised crime in recent history, comparable to the captures of other major kingpins. But the path to stabilising regions long plagued by cartel influence remains challenging and uncertain, with no quick solutions to the complex social and economic factors that fuel the drug trade.
Conclusion
El Mencho’s death closes a chapter in Mexico’s drug war but opens another marked by uncertainty and potential violence. The CJNG’s future direction remains unclear, and the coming weeks will reveal whether the organisation fragments, coalesces around new leadership, or continues operations with diminished capacity.
For now, Mexican authorities celebrate a significant victory while bracing for the consequences that inevitably follow when a kingpin falls.
El Mencho dead. CJNG wounded. Mexico’s drug war enters a new and uncertain phase.
