Mexico: Violence flares over killing of 'El Mencho'
Deutsche Welle
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of Mexico's CJNG cartel, has sparked widespread violence across the country. In a series of attacks following his capture and killing during a military operation in Jalisco state, at least 25 security forces were killed, including National Guard members. Additionally, officials reported that 30 suspects, a prison guard, and an agent from the prosecutor's office were also killed. The violence has raised concerns about escalating tensions between cartels and government forces.
The Mexican government traced El Mencho's location by tracking one of his girlfriends, who was intercepted after visiting him in Tapalpa. This operation, which involved collaboration with U.S. intelligence, led to a raid that resulted in the deaths of El Mencho and six other cartel members. The aftermath saw retaliatory attacks targeting security forces, underscoring the ongoing instability caused by the power vacuum left by El Mencho's death.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/23/2026