Mexican military forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the ultra-violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a high-stakes operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on February 22, 2026—delivering President Claudia Sheinbaum’s biggest anti-cartel triumph.
Operation Details and US Intelligence Role
Specialized troops, backed by air force and National Guard, neutralized El Mencho after he was wounded in intense firefights that killed four cartel gunmen. Three more—including El Mencho—died en route to Mexico City; US intel proved pivotal amid $15M bounty.
CJNG Retaliation Erupts
CJNG unleashed chaos across 12 states: burning vehicles, highway barricades, shootouts emptied Guadalajara, shut Puerto Vallarta tourism, canceled schools. US State Department urged shelter-in-place; Trump posted cryptic “winning too much” celebration.
Legacy of Terror Ends
El Mencho, 59, built CJNG into Mexico’s dominant fentanyl/cocaine empire since 2010, evading capture despite $15M reward. Death disrupts operations but risks power vacuums and successor wars.
