24.02.2026 07:10
The killing of CJNG leader and the country's most wanted drug lord El Mencho, who was sought with a $10 million reward, turned Mexico into a bloodbath. At least 55 people lost their lives in clashes between cartel members and the army, while a detail that emerged regarding the operation in which El Mencho was killed caused a major stir. It was revealed that the cartel leader's location was identified thanks to a secret meeting with his girlfriend.
The leader of one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," was killed in an operation carried out by security forces. A notable detail behind the operation was revealed: Authorities stated that the baron's location was identified thanks to a secret meeting he had with his girlfriend.
HIS HIDING PLACE WAS DETERMINED IN A FORESTED AREA
According to information provided by the Mexican Ministry of Defense, based on data shared with U.S. intelligence, it was determined that Cervantes was hiding in a forested area in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, during the planned operation. Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla Trejo stated that the cartel leader's location was revealed after a meeting with his girlfriend, but the identity was identified through an indirect tracking process rather than directly.
HE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE CONFLICT
After security forces surrounded the area, El Mencho was seriously injured in the ensuing conflict. The cartel leader, who was taken to the hospital, died despite medical interventions. During the operation, heavy weapons capable of destroying rocket launchers and armored vehicles were seized.
A REWARD OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS HAD BEEN PLACED
For many years, Cervantes has been among the most wanted names by both Mexico and the U.S., and U.S. authorities had placed a reward of millions of dollars for him. CJNG was particularly known for synthetic drug production and international trafficking networks.
AFTER HIS DEATH, THE COUNTRY TURNED INTO A LAKE OF BLOOD
Following the news of El Mencho's death, violent incidents erupted across Mexico. CJNG members blocked roads in many states, set vehicles on fire, and carried out attacks targeting public order.
Authorities announced that at least 55 people lost their lives in the clashes between security forces and cartel members. Barricades were set up on highways in 11 states, and numerous vehicles and businesses were set on fire. While mass events were canceled in some areas, disruptions occurred in flights. About 1,000 tourists were stranded inside the zoo in Guadalajara for security reasons. Security measures in the region were increased, and it was reported that control was gradually established on major transportation routes.
THE FUTURE OF CJNG IS UNCERTAIN
Experts believe that El Mencho's death could trigger a power struggle within CJNG and that internal conflicts within the cartel may increase. The Mexican government argued that the operation was an important step in the fight against organized crime. However, the recent wave of violence revealed that the cartel still possesses a strong and organized structure.