In a significant development in the fight against organized crime, Mexican drug lord Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as "El Mencho," has been killed during a military operation. The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations, died on Sunday, February 22, 2026, after being wounded in an intense confrontation with troops.
Operation Details and Casualties
The Defence Department of Mexico reported that the operation took place in Tapalpa, Jalisco, approximately a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara. During the mission, troops came under heavy fire, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. Three others, including Oseguera Cervantes, sustained injuries and later succumbed to their wounds while he was being transported to Mexico City for medical treatment. Additionally, two people were arrested, and authorities seized a cache of weapons, including armoured vehicles, rocket launchers, and various firearms. Three members of the armed forces were also wounded in the exchange.
Immediate Aftermath and Security Concerns
The killing of El Mencho triggered widespread violence and disruption across Jalisco and other states. Cartel members set up roadblocks and torched vehicles in a tactic commonly used to hinder military operations. Social media videos depicted plumes of smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta and chaotic scenes at the airport in Guadalajara, with people fleeing in panic. In response, the US State Department issued warnings to US citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon, advising them to remain in secure locations as security operations continued. Major airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Air Canada, cancelled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara due to the escalating security situation.
Background on El Mencho and the Cartel
Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes had a long history of involvement in drug trafficking, dating back to the 1990s. In 1994, he was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin in the US District Court for the Northern District of California and served nearly three years in prison. After his release, he returned to Mexico and resumed his criminal activities, leading the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Since 2017, he has faced multiple indictments in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The US State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest, highlighting his status as a high-priority target.
Cartel's Influence and Operations
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is recognized as one of the most formidable and rapidly expanding criminal organizations in Mexico. In February 2026, the Trump administration designated it as a foreign terrorist organization. The cartel is notorious for its brazen acts, such as a 2020 assassination attempt using grenades and high-powered rifles against the then-head of Mexico City's police force, who now serves as the head of federal security. According to the DEA, the cartel rivals the Sinaloa cartel in power and influence, with a presence in all 50 US states. It is a major supplier of cocaine, methamphetamines, and fentanyl to the US market, generating billions of dollars in illicit revenue.
International Reaction
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau commented on the killing, describing it as a "great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world." However, he also expressed sadness and concern over the violent scenes unfolding in Mexico, posting on social media platform X to share his observations. This event underscores the ongoing challenges in combating drug cartels and the complex security dynamics in the region.
