24.02.2026 01:35
Details of the operation targeting Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of CJNG, who has been a primary target of security forces in Mexico for years and is wanted by many countries including the United States, have been shared with the public. The Mexican Ministry of National Defense disclosed all stages of the operation carried out in the state of Jalisco, which triggered a wave of violence across the country, from the intelligence process to the moment of conflict.
Mexico's National Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla Trejo detailed the operation that resulted in the death of one of the country's most wanted drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
During the daily press conference at the National Palace, Trevilla Trejo appeared alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum and shared all the details behind the operation.
INTELLIGENCE ACTED ON FEBRUARY 20
According to Trejo, on February 20, the Central Military Intelligence unit identified a person close to El Mencho. It was determined that this person took the cartel leader's girlfriend to a facility in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where she met with El Mencho.
On February 21, it was reported that the individual left the facility, but the intelligence obtained indicated that El Mencho was still in the area. A plan for the operation against the cartel leader, who was protected by a security cordon, was created on the same day.
THE CONFLICT WAS VERY VIOLENT
The Defense Minister announced that the operation was carried out in three phases with the participation of Joint Special Forces, Army Special Forces, and the National Guard's Emergency Response Special Unit.
Stating that El Mencho was protected by a team equipped with heavy weapons, Trejo said that cartel members opened fire as soldiers approached the area. Emphasizing that the conflict was extremely violent, Trejo reported that the criminal organization had 7 long-barreled weapons, 2 rocket launchers, and 8 vehicles in its inventory.
ESCAPING TO THE WOODED AREA DID NOT SAVE HIM
According to information provided by officials, El Mencho left a group of his men in the cabins area to slow down the soldiers' advance. He then fled to the wooded area with his close associates.
During this time, it was reported that cartel members fired at a military helicopter, forcing it to make an emergency landing. Trejo stated that El Mencho and his companions were seriously injured in the clashes and died while being airlifted to Mexico City.
"THE OPERATION WAS CARRIED OUT BY MEXICAN FORCES"
President Sheinbaum emphasized that the operation was entirely conducted by Mexican federal forces. Acknowledging that information was shared with Washington, Sheinbaum stated that U.S. forces did not participate directly in the operation.
Sheinbaum said, "The entire operation is the responsibility of the National Defense Ministry. Our security forces are making great efforts to restore public order."
WAVE OF VIOLENCE ACROSS THE COUNTRY
The operation was reported to have taken place in the town of Tapalpa, approximately 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state. Following the news of El Mencho's death, the cartel reportedly initiated retaliatory actions, with roadblocks, vehicle arson, and business arson incidents occurring in many states, especially in Jalisco.
The Jalisco state government called on the public to stay indoors, while public transportation services were temporarily suspended, and a "red alert" was implemented.
Officials reported that in the violence that erupted after El Mencho's death, a total of 55 people lost their lives, including 25 security personnel. While security measures were raised to the highest level nationwide, it was stated that large-scale operations would continue.