Mexican general details operation that led to ‘El Mencho’ killing
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Mexico’s Secretary of National Defense revealed how a strategic operation led to the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the CJNG cartel. According to the official account, El Mencho’s location was discovered after he met with a romantic partner, which provided critical intelligence to Mexican authorities. This operation marks a significant blow to the CJNG, one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels, and highlights the ongoing efforts by the government to combat organized crime.
El Mencho, known for his leadership in the CJNG, had long evaded capture despite numerous attempts by Mexican security forces. His death is seen as a major victory for President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration, which has prioritized targeting high-ranking cartel members. The operation demonstrated advanced intelligence gathering and coordination between different law enforcement agencies.
The killing of El Mencho is expected to have far-reaching implications for the CJNG. His absence could lead to internal conflicts within the cartel as competing factions jockey for power. This shift in dynamics may also reduce the group’s ability to carry out large-scale operations, potentially decreasing violence and drug trafficking activities in the short term.
For readers interested in global security and organized crime, this development underscores the challenges faced by governments in their fight against drug cartels. The success of such operations often hinges on meticulous planning, intelligence sharing, and international cooperation. While El Mencho’s death is a significant milestone, it remains to be seen how his removal will impact Mexico’s long-term efforts to stabilize its security situation.
This event also highlights the complex and dangerous nature of cartel operations, where personal relationships can become critical points of vulnerability. The reliance on such human intelligence in high-stakes criminal enterprises underscores the unpredictable yet often interconnected lives of drug lords and their associates.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026