The killing of Mexican drug lord El Mencho: How it unfolded
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Mexican forces successfully killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC), in a high-stakes operation on February 22. El Mencho, one of Mexico's most notorious drug lords and a key figure in international organized crime, was tracked to a property in Tapalpa, Jalisco, following intelligence from a close associate. A predawn raid by special forces, supported by the National Guard and military aircraft, led to hours of intense gun battles. El Mencho and his inner circle fled to a nearby cabin, where they were eventually surrounded. He was airlifted to a hospital but died en route.
El Mencho, believed to be a former police officer from Michoacán, rose to prominence over three decades, founding the JNGC in 2009. The cartel became known for its violent tactics, including military-style attacks and the use of drones and explosive devices. Operating across Mexico and targeting the United States with heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, El Mencho's influence extended to human trafficking as well.
The operation was supported by U.S. intelligence, part of a broader effort to combat drug cartels along the border. However, the aftermath saw coordinated attacks from JNGC members, including roadblocks, arson, and assaults on government facilities. Senior cartel figures, such
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026