Mexican security forces executed a meticulously planned operation deep within the jungle to capture the country’s most notorious drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho. The operation, hailed as unprecedented in both strategy and execution, did not merely track traditional drug trafficking routes or financial networks. Instead, authorities succeeded by monitoring El Mencho’s romantic partner, leading them to his hidden cabin in the dense, mountainous terrain of Jalisco.
Officials confirmed that the woman had accompanied El Mencho to the remote location, where he had reportedly been holed up for at least a week.
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The Operation and Confrontation
The operation commenced on Sunday morning in the city of Tapalpa. As security forces moved in, El Mencho attempted to flee, triggering a fierce firefight with his bodyguard team. According to authorities, at least eight cartel members were killed during the confrontation.
El Mencho, gravely wounded along with two of his bodyguards, was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Guadalajara. Tragically, all three died en route, and their bodies were subsequently transferred to Mexico City.
Nationwide Violence Following Death
News of El Mencho’s death rapidly triggered violence across Mexico. Security reports indicated that cartel members launched attacks in 20 of the country’s 32 states, targeting highways, vehicles, banks, and even security personnel. Within hours, at least 62 people were reported dead.
Ordinary citizens and tourists were stranded along multiple travel routes, while social media images showed plumes of smoke rising over several cities. Tapalpa’s mayor described the situation as “completely out of control” despite the city’s usual appeal as a tourist destination.
Background on El Mencho
El Mencho separated from the Sinaloa Cartel nearly 15 years ago to establish the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The organisation is involved in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and human trafficking. The United States Department of State had previously offered a USD 15 million reward for his capture.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes |
| Alias | El Mencho |
| Cartel | Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) |
| Crimes | Drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, human trafficking |
| Date of Death | 22 February 2026 |
| Operation Location | Tapalpa, Jalisco |
| Cartel Members Killed | 8 (initial report) |
| Security Forces Killed | 25 (National Guard) |
| US Bounty | USD 15 million |
Official Statements
General Ricardo Treviño Trejo, Mexico’s Defence Minister, expressed deep emotion at a press conference, stating that the bravery of the security forces had positioned the nation firmly against organised crime. Authorities described the successful operation as a major victory for Mexico, underscoring the tactical skill and precision of the security apparatus.
While sporadic violence initially erupted nationwide, by Monday afternoon, the situation had largely stabilised. Security forces continue to maintain order in Tapalpa and surrounding Jalisco regions, aiming to restore peace fully.
The daring mission has been widely regarded as a testament to Mexico’s growing operational sophistication in confronting its most formidable criminal threats.