Mexican forces kill CJNG leader 'El Mencho', triggering violent cartel backlash

2026-02-22 - 20:32

Mexican Army Special Forces eliminated seven members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, including its notorious leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," during a coordinated operation Sunday in the western state of Jalisco. The Defense Ministry reported that Special Forces, working with the National Intelligence Center and Attorney General's Office, deployed multiple Air Force aircraft and National Guard units to apprehend the cartel boss in Tapalpa, a known CJNG stronghold. Operation Details and Confirmation The ministry stated that military personnel came under attack and responded in self-defense, resulting in four cartel members killed at the scene and three others fatally wounded during air evacuation to Mexico City. "Among the latter is Ruben 'N' (alias Mencho); however, the corresponding authorities will be in charge of the forensic activities to confirm his identification," the ministry said. Two additional cartel members were arrested, and authorities seized various weapons and armored vehicles, including rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft. Three special forces members were wounded and transported to medical facilities in Mexico City. The operation relied on intelligence provided by US authorities under bilateral coordination. Violent Cartel Response The killing triggered immediate widespread violence across CJNG-controlled states including Tamaulipas, Michoacan, and Nayarit, with road blockades, burning vehicles, and armed clashes reported. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro issued a red alert, suspended public transportation, canceled all large public events Sunday, and announced class cancellations statewide Monday. Mexico's Security Cabinet deployed reinforcements from central Mexico and neighboring states, confirming airports operational but noting significant flight disruptions at Puerto Vallarta. International Reaction The US urged citizens in multiple states to shelter in place, while Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed the operation as "a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world," expressing sadness over the violent response but insisting "we must never lose our nerve." Canada warned of violence and roadblocks, advising Canadians to maintain low profiles as Air Canada suspended Puerto Vallarta flights due to the security situation. Oseguera, a former police officer who rose to prominence in the 1990s, led CJNG from its origins as a Milenio Cartel offshoot to become one of Mexico's most powerful and violent criminal organizations.