Burned buildings in Mexico after Mexican army kills leader of powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel during operation to capture him - AP News
AP News
February 22, 2026
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The Mexican army has reported significant success in its ongoing efforts to combat organized crime, following a major operation that resulted in the killing of Nemesio Ocampo alias "El Mencho," the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). During the operation, which aimed to capture Ocampo, military forces encountered fierce resistance and exchanged gunfire with cartel members. The clash led to widespread destruction, including burned buildings and vehicles in the areas where the operations took place.
The CJNG, one of Mexico's most influential cartels, has long been a major threat to public security, involved in drug trafficking, kidnappings, and violent confrontations with rival groups. Ocampo, a key figure in the cartel's hierarchy, was known for his strategic leadership and ability to expand CJNG's territorial control. His death is seen as a significant blow to the organization, though experts caution that the group may adapt by promoting new leaders or restructuring its operations.
The operation highlights the Mexican government's ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime through military and law enforcement actions. While such operations have increased in frequency under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, their effectiveness has been a subject of debate. Critics argue that while high-profile captures and kills can disrupt cartel activities in the short term, they often lead to power vacuums that result in heightened violence as competing factions fight for control.
The incident also underscores the broader challenges facing Mexico's security forces
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Originally published on AP News on 2/22/2026