Mexico’s most wanted cartel boss El Mencho is dead after a military raid, triggering violent retaliation, travel warnings, and raising questions over cartel power, security, and stability nationwide
Mexico’s most feared drug lord is dead. But his killing has unleashed a wave of violence that is rattling the country.
The Mexican army confirmed on Sunday 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 the military, the 59-year-old cartel leader was injured during a clash with soldiers in the town of Tapalpa, located in the state of Jalisco. He later died while being airlifted to Mexico City.
Oseguera had long been one of the most wanted men in the world, with a $15 million US bounty on his head. 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.
Sunday’s operation involved coordinated intelligence, including assistance from US authorities. Mexican officials said six suspected cartel gunmen were killed during the raid, while three soldiers were wounded. Authorities also arrested two suspects and seized a cache of powerful weapons, including rocket launchers capable of bringing down aircraft and destroying armoured vehicles.
Oseguera’s death marks one of the biggest blows to organised crime since the capture of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and Ismael Zambada, both key figures from the Sinaloa cartel who are now imprisoned in the United States.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, saying the federal government was working closely with state authorities to maintain order.
Retaliation grips Jalisco and beyond
Almost immediately after news of the raid spread, cartel gunmen retaliated. More than 20 roads across Jalisco were blocked with burning vehicles, effectively paralysing key routes.
The violence quickly spilled beyond Jalisco, reaching neighbouring Michoacan and the popular resort city of Puerto Vallarta.
JUST IN: 🇲🇽 CJNG cartel has reportedly stormed the Guadalajara Airport in Mexico after the Mexican army killed its leader El Mencho. pic.twitter.com/kAVA1ZUV3v
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) February 22, 2026
In the state capital, Guadalajara, streets fell eerily silent as businesses shut down and residents stayed indoors.
Maria Medina, who works at a gas station that was torched during the unrest, described the terrifying moment gunmen arrived.
“I thought they were going to kidnap us. I ran to a taco stand to take cover with the people there,” Medina told AFP.
Authorities cancelled public events and in-person classes as a precaution. The security lockdown comes at a sensitive time, with Jalisco scheduled to host matches during the upcoming FIFA World Cup this summer.
Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as ‘El Mencho,’ has been killed in a military raid, Mexican officials said. The operation comes as the country’s government has been ramping up pressure on cartels following US intervention threats https://t.co/zBCZ7jZSZk pic.twitter.com/auq2VrwZ0I
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 22, 2026
‘Great development for Mexico’
The cartel Oseguera built became notorious for trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States, according to the US Justice Department.
The US government has classified the group as a terrorist organisation, owing to the scale of its global impact.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed the development and called Oseguera “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.”
“This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world,” he added.
The operation comes amid
mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly warned Mexico to do more to curb the flow of drugs—particularly fentanyl—across the border.
Following the violence, the US State Department urged Americans in affected regions to “shelter in place until further notice.”
Canada also issued travel warnings, citing “shootouts with security forces and explosions” in several Mexican states.
Airlines in both countries cancelled dozens of flights as a safety precaution.
While Oseguera’s death represents a major victory for authorities, analysts warn it could trigger internal power struggles within the cartel—and potentially unleash further violence in the weeks ahead.
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