Historic Blow Against a Drug Empire

Mexican authorities announced that Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known by his alias “El Mencho,” was killed in a military operation on 22 February 2026, marking one of the most significant victories in Mexico’s long struggle against powerful drug trafficking organisations.

El Mencho was the leader and co-founder of the New Generation Cartel (CJNG) — one of Mexico’s largest and most violent criminal syndicates, responsible for trafficking vast quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs into the United States and beyond.

The operation took place in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where Mexican special forces engaged cartel gunmen. El Mencho was wounded and later died while being transported by helicopter. Several other cartel members — along with sophisticated weapons and armoured vehicles — were also seized in the raid.

Immediate and Widespread Violence

News of his death triggered violent reprisals by cartel members and affiliates across a broad swath of Mexico. Roads were blocked with burning vehicles, highways torched, and clashes with security forces erupted in multiple states including Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán and others. Schools were shut and flights were cancelled at airports such as Puerto Vallarta amid the unrest.

At least 14 people — including several National Guard members — were reported killed in violence linked to the cartel’s response. Security forces in affected areas scrambled to contain unrest and clear roadblocks.

Government Response and Security Concerns

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the security operation but urged the public to remain calm. She said authorities are coordinating with state governments to restore order, and emphasised that the majority of the country remains stable despite the local outbreaks of violence.

The United States also played a role in aiding the operation, providing intelligence support through joint task forces aimed at combating organised crime. The CJNG’s role in smuggling fentanyl into the U.S., which has fuelled the opioid crisis, made his capture a priority for both nations.

Legacy of a Cartel Boss

El Mencho’s influence on the Mexican drug war was significant:

• He elevated the CJNG into one of Mexico’s most feared cartels.
  
  

• The U.S. had offered up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
  
  

• Under his leadership, the cartel became notorious for daring attacks on government forces, use of heavy weapons, drones and widespread extortion networks.
  
  

His death is being compared to past high-profile takedowns such as that of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, though experts warn that cartel structures are resilient and may adapt rather than collapse outright.

What Comes Next?

While the elimination of El Mencho is a symbolically and operationally significant achievement for Mexican security forces, analysts warn that the power vacuum could lead to internal cartel conflict or splinter groups emerging — potentially resulting in further violence and instability.

Authorities are now focused on maintaining public safety, preventing retaliatory attacks, and disrupting successor leadership within the cartel’s ranks.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, CNN, AP News