Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Mexico fears more violence after army kills leader of powerful Jalisco cartel

El Mencho's death triggered retaliatory attacks across 20 states, causing 74 deaths including 25 National Guard officers, and widespread disruptions, officials said.

  • Mexican military special forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, in Tapalpa, Jalisco on February 22, 2026, triggering immediate widespread violence across Mexico.
  • Under President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexican special forces planned and executed the raid targeting him as a top trafficker sought by the U.S., which offered a $15 million reward and provided intelligence support.
  • Authorities reported more than 250 road blockades across 20 Mexican states, with at least 74 dead including 25 National Guard officers amid attacks on banks, petrol stations and shops.
  • Travel warnings and shelter-in-place advisories were issued after Mexico deployed 2,500 troops, airlines including Air Canada, United, and American canceled flights, and Liga MX postponed matches.
  • The chaos raised concerns about Mexico's suitability as a co-host of the FIFA World Cup, with Guadalajara hardest hit, as analysts at International Crisis Group describe it as a turning point in President Sheinbaum's security strategy.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions

304 Articles

Lean Right

At least 74 people were killed in the arrest of Mexican drug boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes alias "El Mencho" and subsequent battles between security forces and suspects.

·Dortmund, Germany
Read Full Article
Idaho PressIdaho Press
+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
Center

Soldiers keep up clash with cartel gunmen a day after Mexico's military killed top drug lord

A day after the Mexican army killed the country’s most powerful drug lord, the picturesque town where it happened was a study in contrasts. Tourist shops in Tapalpa were open Monday, and workers were on the job. But gunshots also…

·Cherokee County, United States
Read Full Article
Associated Press NewsAssociated Press News
+13 Reposted by 13 other sources
Lean Left

The criminal ascent of 'El Mencho' as Mexico's most powerful drug lord

Like other drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” had spent years avoiding the spotlight.

·United States
Read Full Article
Lean Right

A secret meeting with the girlfriend led to the operation that killed cartel leader El Mencho.  Mexican intelligence had identified a man close to the girlfriend and was able to follow her to a secret meeting.

·Stockholm, Sweden
Read Full Article
PerthNowPerthNow
+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Center

Death of drug boss triggers killing spree in Mexico

Dozens of people have been killed in Mexico amid widespread violence that erupted after the killing of Sinaloa drug cartel boss 'El Mencho'.

·City of Perth, Australia
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 42% of the sources are Center
42% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

CNN broke the news in Atlanta, United States on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal