‘El Mencho’ killing sparks ‘overwhelming fear’ as violence erupts in Mexico
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho" and leader of Mexico's powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, has sparked a wave of violence across the country. His killing during a military operation in his home state of Jalisco led to immediate retaliation, with suspected cartel members torching buses, blocking roads with fiery barricades, and disrupting essential services. This chaos spread to at least 18 states, underscoring the cartels' significant influence over local infrastructure and public order.
El Mencho, a 59-year-old drug lord notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States, had long evaded authorities. His cartel's rapid expansion made it one of Mexico's most dangerous criminal networks, with brazen attacks against government officials a hallmark of his reign. The coordinated violence following his death highlights the cartels' ability to paralyze cities and disrupt basic services like healthcare and transportation.
The operation was carried out by Mexican special forces, supported by U.S. intelligence, which had offered a $15 million reward for his capture. While President Claudia Sheinbaum commended the collaboration between federal
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026