Mexican army kills drug lord Oseguera 'El Mencho'
Deutsche Welle
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Mexican army announced Sunday that it had killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," a notorious drug lord and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico's most violent criminal organizations. El Mencho was wounded during a raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and died while being transferred to Mexico City. The operation also resulted in four cartel members killed outright and three others, including El Mencho, dying from their injuries en route to the capital.
The raid was carried out with significant U.S. assistance, as Washington had offered a $15 million bounty for El Mencho's capture. Mexican authorities seized several vehicles and weapons, including armored vehicles and rocket launchers, during the operation. In response to the violence, Jalisco state canceled school, suspended public transportation, and advised residents to remain indoors. U.S. airlines, including Alaska Airlines, United, Southwest, Air Canada, and WestJet, also canceled flights to affected regions like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara due to safety concerns.
El Mencho's death is a major blow to the CJNG, which is considered one of Mexico's most dangerous cartels. The group is a primary supplier of cocaine to the U.S. market and is known for producing fentanyl and methamphetamines. El Mencho had a long criminal history, including a 1994 conviction in California for conspiracy to distribute heroin, and had faced multiple indictments in the U.S., including charges related to drug trafficking and firearm use.
The operation highlights the ongoing collaboration between U.S. and Mexican authorities in combating organized crime. However, it also underscores the challenges faced by both countries in their efforts to dismantle powerful cartels. The violence following El Mencho's death, including roadblocks and burning vehicles, is a common tactic used by cartels to obstruct military operations and create fear.
The killing of El Mencho is a significant milestone in the fight against drug trafficking in Mexico and Latin America. It signals a shift in strategy under Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has faced increasing pressure from the U.S. administration to show results in combating cartel violence. While some have criticized the "kingpin" approach for focusing too much on targeting individual leaders rather than
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/23/2026