US EditionMexican Army Kills 'El Mencho,' Leader of Jalisco Cartel
- On Feb. 22, 2026, the Mexican Army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', during an operation in Jalisco, though officials differ on the timing of his death.
- The operation targeted El Mencho because he led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and faced repeated U.S. indictments, including a superseding indictment filed on April 5, 2022, with a $15 million reward for his capture.
- Videos showed hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles across Jalisco and other states, with plumes of smoke over Puerto Vallarta, while residents reported sieges and CJNG tactics involving drones, mines and heavy military attacks.
- U.S. State Department and Canadian government warned citizens in Jalisco to shelter in place, while airlines including Air Canada, Southwest and Alaska canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta on Sunday as Jalisco activated a 'code red' emergency.
- Authorities say they maintain active operations across several states to contain reactions after one of the most significant events in recent years, while President Claudia Sheinbaum warns against the 'kingpin' strategy amid CJNG expansion in recent years.
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314 Articles
Major drug lord 'El Mencho' killed in Mexican military operation with US intelligence support
Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera "El Mencho" was killed in a military operation Sunday in Jalisco state, marking a major blow to organized crime amid Trump pressure.
"El Mencho" was considered Mexico's most powerful drug boss. After his arrest he succumbed to his injuries. His cartel reacted with riots.
The Mexican government confirmed this Sunday that special forces of the Army and the National Guard killed the dangerous drug trafficker Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG), during an operation in the municipality of Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco, with support from the United States intelligence apparatus.Read more
Nemesio Oseguera - known as 'El Mencho' - was one of Mexico's most wanted gang leaders.
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