Mexican forces kill CJNG leader El Mencho as cartel sparks nationwide arson and roadblocks
Feb 23rd 2026
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in a Tapalpa, Jalisco operation and died en route to Mexico City, prompting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel to mount coordinated attacks across roughly 20 states that disrupted travel and left Guadalajara under lockdown.
- El Mencho, 59, was wounded in a Mexican military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco and died while being flown to Mexico City.
- CJNG responded with widespread violence, setting vehicles on fire and creating more than 250 roadblocks across about 20 states.
- Authorities later said they had cleared most of the roadblocks and restored movement in many areas.
- At least seven people died in and after the operation, three Mexican service members were wounded, two suspects were arrested, and armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other weapons were seized.
- The United States provided intelligence support and the State Department had offered up to a $15 million reward for information leading to El Mencho's arrest.
- CJNG is a major supplier of fentanyl and other drugs to the U.S. and was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. in February 2025.
- Airlines suspended or adjusted flights, local governments canceled schools, and foreign embassies warned citizens to shelter in place amid travel disruptions.
- Analysts warn the death could prompt factional fighting within the cartel and short term instability in trafficking routes and local security.