El Mencho killed: military operation removes Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader

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The Mexican government announced that its military killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, during an operation in the state of Jalisco on February 22, 2026. Officials described the action as a major strike against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (commonly referenced by its Spanish acronym, CJNG), an organization that has expanded aggressively in recent years. Within hours of the announcement, several Mexican states experienced coordinated reactions, including roadblocks and burning vehicles—tactics frequently associated with cartel attempts to hamper security operations.

This article summarizes the operation and its immediate consequences, outlines El Mencho’s background and the rise of the CJNG, and examines likely next steps as local, federal and international agencies respond to a potentially destabilizing development.

What happened during the operation

Federal and military sources said the encounter occurred in a municipality long identified as a cartel stronghold. The security operation in Talpa de Allende, Jalisco, culminated in the death of Oseguera Cervantes. Officials called the outcome one of the government’s most significant tactical victories.

Videos and eyewitness reports circulated on social media showing smoke over cities such as Puerto Vallarta and scenes of public alarm at airports. Airlines temporarily suspended service. Authorities advised travelers to avoid certain transit points while Security forces secured the area.

Immediate security fallout

Following the announcement, criminal protests erupted across at least six states, including Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato and Aguascalientes. Incidents featured burnt vehicles and road blockades intended to obstruct military movement. Federal and state forces mobilized to clear critical infrastructure and prevent spillover violence.

Officials have not released a comprehensive tally of casualties or arrests directly linked to the operation. Investigations are ongoing.

The man known as El Mencho and the evolution of CJNG

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes was born in the community of Naranjo de Chila in Aguililla, Michoacán. He rose from modest agricultural roots to lead one of Mexico’s most feared criminal enterprises. After periods living in the United States during the 1980s and early 1990s, which included arrests and a federal conviction for heroin-related offenses, he returned to Mexico and entered organized crime networks.

The CJNG emerged from fragmentation within older cartels. It evolved into a highly militarized and internationally connected organization that trafficked methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine. Authorities and analysts say the cartel established distribution channels in the United States, Latin America, Europe and Asia.

Rewards and prior reports about his status

U.S. authorities had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to El Mencho’s arrest or conviction. That amount underscored his status as a priority target. Over the years, unconfirmed reports about his health and death circulated repeatedly. Mexican and U.S. officials did not confirm those reports until the February 22, 2026 announcement.

What this means for Mexico and the wider region

The killing of a cartel founder rarely results in the immediate collapse of the organization he led. Analysts caution that the CJNG has developed a layered command structure and diversified revenue streams that may allow it to adapt, reorganize or splinter into competing factions.