By Admin 
Nemosio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes alias El Mencho, leader of Mexico’s largest drug group Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has been killed in a military operation. Mexico’s Defense Ministry (SEDENA) officially confirmed this on Sunday, 23 February 2026. El Mencho, 59, died from injuries sustained during the operation while being airlifted to Mexico City for treatment.
Who was the notorious criminal El Mencho?
The world’s most notorious drug dealer El Mencho was once a police officer, but later entered the world of crime. He made CJNG the most powerful and brutal cartel in Mexico in the last decade. This organization was involved in smuggling of fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs, especially into the US.
America had counted him among the world’s most dangerous drug lords and had offered a reward of 15 million dollars (about Rs 125 crore) for his information. Mexico had also announced a reward of 1.7 million dollars in 2018.
In 2022, the US Justice Department had accused him of manufacturing fentanyl and sending it to America. El Mencho had been in hiding since 2015 and had evaded capture several times.
Military Operation 4 Gangster Pile
The operation took place in Tapalpa city in the western state of Jalisco, where the CJNG is considered a stronghold. Army special forces conducted a raid there, in which El Mencho was targeted. At least four CJNG members were killed on the spot during the operation, while two others died during air transfer.
A total of seven cartel members were killed, two were arrested and numerous weapons were recovered, including anti-aircraft launchers and armored vehicles. Three soldiers were also injured.
Gang’s revenge after Mencho’s death
As news of El Mencho’s death spread, CJNG members tried to take revenge. Violence broke out in many states such as Jalisco, Michoacan, Colima, Guerrero, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Zacatecas and Tamaulipas.
Cartel goons set up blockades on roads, set buses and shops on fire, burnt vehicles and attacked security forces. Tension has increased in many areas of Mexico.
President Claudia Sheinbaum avoided direct confirmation for now, saying that the security cabinet will provide information on this. He later said that the situation is normal in most parts of the country. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Lando posted on Twitter that this is a big victory for Mexico, the US, Latin America and the whole world.
Mencho’s work was done with the help of American intelligence.
Mexico’s Defense Ministry said that America provided intelligence, which made this operation successful. The Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter-Cartel, under US Northern Command, worked closely with the Mexican military.
An American official said that it was a completely Mexican operation, but American intelligence provided important help. Under pressure from the Trump administration, Mexico has intensified strict action against cartels.
This incident is a major turning point in Mexico’s drug war. El Mencho’s death may lead to a change in CJNG’s command, but currently the situation seems to be worsening due to violence. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and forensic tests will be conducted to identify the bodies.