Mexico's most wanted drug lord El Mencho killed in military operation
Feb 22nd 2026
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, aka El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, was reported killed during a dawn army operation in Jalisco; Mexico's defense ministry said he died of injuries while being airlifted. Local reports said street violence followed and the US had previously offered a $15 million reward.
- El Mencho led the powerful Jalisco New Generation cartel.
- Mexico's defense ministry said he was wounded in the operation and died during air transfer.
- CJNG has expanded from Jalisco to an almost nationwide presence in Mexico.
- Unconfirmed reports described cars set on fire and armed men on streets after the operation.
- The US had offered a $15 million reward and issued shelter-in-place warnings for several Mexican states.