Mexico City / Jalisco, Mexico — 22 February 2026
Mexican security forces have killed one of the country’s most-wanted drug cartel leaders, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho”, officials confirmed late Sunday. He was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most violent and powerful criminal organisations and a top target for law enforcement in both Mexico and the United States.

The Mexican Army and National Guard, supported by intelligence cooperation from the United States, carried out a security operation on 22 February 2026 in Tapalpa, Jalisco, aimed at capturing El Mencho. During the operation, he was seriously wounded in a firefight with security forces and later died from his injuries while being transported to Mexico City, according to official reports.

El Mencho, 59, had been at the centre of a nationwide manhunt for years due to his leadership of the CJNG, which has been linked to fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking, widespread violence, and attacks on security forces. His cartel’s influence stretches across much of Mexico and beyond, making his death a major blow to organised crime.

The operation triggered immediate violent reprisals by cartel members across several Mexican states, with vehicles burned, roadblocks erected and clashes with security forces reported. At least 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard were killed in related clashes, and residents were warned to stay indoors amid the unrest.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the operation but noted that the situation remains volatile as authorities work to restore order.

Sources:
• AP News via aggregated reporting — on the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho.”
• Reuters — on how Mexican security forces located and killed El Mencho and subsequent violence.
• America's Voice News

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