Mexican army kills drug lord 'El Mencho' during operation to capture him
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 22, 2026
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The Mexican army announced Sunday that they had killed Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Jalisco Nueva Generación). El Mencho, who was known for his ruthless control over drug trafficking operations and had a $15 million US bounty on his head, was fatally wounded during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The army stated that he died while being airlifted to Mexico City following the clash. This significant victory against organized crime comes amid ongoing pressure from the United States to combat drug flows, particularly fentanyl, into the country.
The operation also resulted in the death of six cartel members and the arrest of two others. Soldiers seized weapons, including rocket launchers capable of destroying airplanes and armored vehicles, demonstrating the(cartel's) advanced capabilities. Retaliatory violence erupted across western Jalisco, with gunmen blocking roads using burning vehicles and spreading chaos to neighboring states like Michoacán and Puerto Vallarta. The violence forced authorities to cancel public events in Jalisco, including World Cup matches scheduled for this summer.
The incident highlights the deepening collaboration between Mexican and US authorities in targeting major cartels. El Mencho's cartel, formed in 2009, has been classified as a terrorist organization by the United States, accused of trafficking vast quantities of drugs like fentanyl into the U.S. Both Mexico and the U.S. welcomed the operation, with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau calling it a "great development" for regional security. The killing of El Mencho is seen as a significant blow to organized crime networks, but experts warn that his successor may continue the cartel's violent tactics.
This event underscores the ongoing struggle between Mexican and U.S. authorities against drug cartels, which have far-reaching implications for global security. The Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel's influence extends beyond Mexico, impacting drug markets in the United States and Latin America. The operation also reflects the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational organized crime, a critical issue for readers interested in global security and law enforcement efforts.
The aftermath of El Mencho's death has raised concerns about potential reprisals and further instability in Mexico. Authorities have advised citizens to remain calm but have implemented measures to ensure public safety during the heightened tensions. The situation remains fluid, with both domestic and international stakeholders closely monitoring developments in Jalisco and surrounding regions.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/22/2026