Mexican army kills 'El Mencho,' Mexico's most-wanted drug kingpin - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Patrick J. McDonnell, Kate Linthicum, Keegan Hamilton

February 22, 2026

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Mexican authorities have successfully killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. El Mencho was one of the world's most-wanted drug traffickers and a major figure in Mexico's criminal underworld. He was killed during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, where he sustained fatal injuries during an airstrike. The operation also resulted in six other cartel members being killed and three soldiers injured. The death of El Mencho has sparked violence across western Mexico, with supporters of the cartel setting fires to vehicles and blocking roads, raising concerns about escalating chaos in the region. El Mencho's death is a significant blow to organized crime in Mexico. Under his leadership, the Jalisco Cartel expanded its control over drug trafficking, extortion, fuel theft, and other illegal activities throughout the country. His influence grew after the downfall of the Sinaloa cartel, which had once dominated the drug trade. El Mencho's cartel aggressively targeted territories of rival gangs, incorporated smaller criminal groups into its ranks, and corrupted officials at all levels of government. The operation was carried out by Mexican Special Forces with support from U.S. intelligence, marking a milestone in bilateral cooperation against organized crime. While some social media rumors suggested direct U.S. military involvement, both Mexican and U.S. authorities clarified that the operation was entirely conducted by Mexican forces. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City described it as "planned and executed" by Mexican Special Forces within the framework of bilateral cooperation. The killing has been widely praised by international leaders, including the U.S. State Department, which called it a major victory for both Mexico and the United States in the fight against drug trafficking. Derek Maltz, a former acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, described El Mencho as one of the most dangerous drug traffickers in the world, responsible for significant harm to public health due to his role in fentanyl distribution. The aftermath has seen mixed reactions. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/22/2026