With ‘El Mencho’ killed, what’s next for Mexico and the Jalisco cartel?
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of Mexico's powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has sparked widespread violence and raised questions about the cartel's future. El Mencho was killed in a military operation on Sunday, prompting suspected cartel members to launch coordinated attacks across multiple states. This included torching convenience stores, petrol stations, and highway blockades, paralyzing cities and instilling fear among civilians. The violence appeared aimed at showcasing the group's reach and strength despite losing its leader.
The CJNG, formed in 2009-2010 from remnants of the Milenio cartel, has grown into one of Mexico's most dominant drug trafficking organizations. Known for extreme brutality, the cartel operates across Mexico and has established international routes, particularly in fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. Beyond drugs, it engages in extortion, migrant smuggling, and oil theft. The group has also targeted security forces, with notable attacks including a 2015 helicopter downing and an attempted assassination of a public security secretary in 2020.
El Mencho's death marks a turning point for the CJNG. His leadership was crucial to maintaining control over the organization, which analysts say relies on both strategic operations and violence to maintain power. The cartel's ability to adapt and regroup under new
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026