Violence erupts in Mexico after drug lord El Mencho killed
BBC World
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Violence erupted across Mexico following the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel. El Mencho was seriously injured during a security operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and later died. The operation, which involved Mexican special forces and US intelligence, resulted in the deaths of four CJNG members and injuries to three soldiers. Retaliatory violence quickly spread to at least a dozen states, with CJNG supporters blocking roads, burning vehicles, and attacking banks.
The violence escalated rapidly, with eyewitnesses reporting smoke-filled skies over cities like Guadalajara, host of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Jalisco's governor declared a state of emergency, halting public transport and canceling mass events. Puerto Vallarta was described as a "war zone," with tourists fleeing the chaos. Nationwide, 250 roadblocks were established, including 65 in Jalisco alone. Authorities reported 25 arrests, including individuals charged with violent acts and looting.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized coordination between federal and state agencies, urging calm while acknowledging that most parts of the country remained unaffected. International airlines canceled flights to Jalisco, and the US and UK issued warnings for their citizens in the region. El Mencho, a former police officer turned drug lord, was a key figure in trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the US. The US had offered a $15 million reward for his capture.
The operation targeting El Mencho was described as significant in the history of drug trafficking by Mike Vigil, a former DEA official. While the short-term impact of his death is chaotic, experts warn that CJNG's decentralized structure may make it difficult to dismantle the cartel entirely. The violence highlights Mexico's ongoing struggle with organized crime and its complex relationship with US drug policies. For readers interested in global security and drug trafficking, this event underscores the far-reaching consequences of targeting high-profile cartel leaders.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/23/2026