Mexico Eliminates CJNG Cartel Leader El Mencho

Guadalajara: The Mexican army confirmed on February 22, 2026, the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during an operation in the state of Jalisco. The news was confirmed by a federal official to national and international media, although the government took hours to make the official statement.

El Mencho was considered by Mexican and US authorities as one of the most powerful and sought drug traffickers in the world. The DEA offered a reward of 10 million dollars for information leading to his capture. Under his leadership, the CJNG became one of the most violent cartels with the greatest international presence, with operations in more than 30 countries.

Operation Details

Army sources indicated the operation was the result of months of accumulated intelligence and had the cooperation of US security agencies. The operation involved army special forces and navy elements. Several cartel lieutenants were detained in the same operation.

The CJNG controlled fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking routes to the United States, as well as extortion, kidnapping, and territorial control in at least 25 of Mexico's 32 states. Its fall could trigger a violent power struggle between internal factions and rival cartels, security analysts warned.

Reactions and Consequences

President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the operation as a historic achievement of Mexican security forces. President Trump congratulated Mexico through his social media account and described the outcome as a victory in the war against drug trafficking. However, security experts warned that the elimination of cartel leaders has historically led to fragmentation and increased violence in the short term.