ONE of Mexico’s most infamous drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho,” was killed during a military operation on Sunday, setting off a wave of retaliatory violence across the country and raising pressure on President Claudia Sheinbaum to intensify action against the nation’s powerful drug cartels.
Reuters reported today that Oseguera, 60, the founder and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), succumbed to injuries sustained in a raid by Mexican special forces in Tapalpa, a coastal town in Jalisco state, the Defence Ministry confirmed.
His body was transported to Mexico City in a heavily guarded convoy of National Guard personnel.
A U.S.-backed task force reportedly provided intelligence support for the operation.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the Trump administration “commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation,” highlighting Washington’s ongoing involvement in regional anti-cartel efforts, particularly against cartels producing synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
The immediate aftermath saw CJNG operatives launch acts of vengeance, setting vehicles ablaze to block highways and torching businesses in multiple states, paralysing sections of the country.
In Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort in Jalisco, tourists described scenes akin to a “war zone” as smoke rose over the bay.
Several airlines, including Air Canada, United, Aeromexico, and American Airlines, temporarily suspended flights in the area. No civilian fatalities have been reported.
Oseguera, a former police officer, had transformed CJNG into one of Mexico’s most formidable criminal enterprises, overseeing an expansion from drug trafficking into fuel theft, extortion, human smuggling, and sophisticated financial fraud.
The cartel became notorious for extreme violence, employing forced labour, coercive recruitment, and even drones in attacks on remote civilian areas as part of its rapid territorial growth.
Under his leadership, CJNG’s influence extended across Mexico, cementing its reputation for brutality and operational sophistication.
Experts warn that while the removal of Oseguera represents a major victory for law enforcement, it may also trigger further instability and violent reprisals as the cartel reorganises under new leadership.
The military operation marks one of the most significant anti-cartel actions in recent Mexican history, drawing international attention to the ongoing challenges of curbing organised crime while balancing the safety of civilians in cartel-dominated regions. - February 23, 2026
