Mexico's Most Wanted Drug Lord ‘El Mencho’ Killed In Military Op, Cartel Starts Nationwide Rampage

Last Updated:February 23, 2026, 06:57 IST

Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in a Mexican military operation in Jalisco, sparking violent unrest across Mexico.

In a significant breakthrough by Mexican authorities, Mexico’s most wanted drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho," was killed on Sunday during a major military operation in the western state of Jalisco.

The Mexican army confirmed that it had killed Nemesio “El Mencho" Oseguera, the powerful kingpin of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in a high-stakes military operation that quickly spiralled into chaos across western Mexico.

According to CNN, citing Mexico’s defence ministry, the 59-year-old leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was seriously injured during a clash with security forces in the town of Tapalpa. He later died while being airlifted to Mexico City.

Oseguera had been one of the world’s most wanted criminals, with the United States offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. His cartel, known for its military-style tactics and brutal expansion, had grown into one of Mexico’s most dominant criminal organisations since its formation in 2009.

As per the news outlet, the military operation involved special forces units, aircraft from the Mexican Air Force, and intelligence reportedly shared by US authorities. Mexican officials said that at least six suspected cartel gunmen were killed during the raid, while three soldiers were injured. Authorities also arrested two suspects.

Security forces also seized a cache of heavy weapons, including rocket launchers.

Retaliation And Widespread Unrest

After the news of his death broke out, cartel members launched retaliatory attacks across Jalisco and neighboring states.

More than 20 roads were blocked with burning vehicles, bringing key highways to a standstill. Violence also spread to Michoacán and the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta. In Guadalajara, businesses shut down and residents were urged to stay indoors as plumes of smoke rose over parts of the city.

Airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta witnessed chaos, with flights cancelled as a precaution. US and Canadian authorities issued travel warnings, advising citizens to shelter in place in affected regions.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, stating that federal and state authorities were working to restore order. She said most parts of the country remained stable despite the unrest.

Who Was El Mencho?

Born in 1966, Oseguera briefly lived in the United States in the 1980s before being deported following a drug conviction. He rose through cartel ranks in the 2000s and eventually took control of CJNG, turning it into a transnational criminal enterprise trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl into the United States.

He faced multiple indictments in US federal courts on charges including drug trafficking, weapons offences, and operating a continuing criminal enterprise.

His death marked one of the most significant blows to organised crime in Mexico since the capture and imprisonment of major cartel figures in recent years.

News world Mexico's Most Wanted Drug Lord ‘El Mencho’ Killed In Military Op, Cartel Starts Nationwide Rampage

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