23.02.2026 23:19
Following the death of El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico, 55 people lost their lives in the ensuing clashes, including 25 security personnel and 30 cartel members. After the cartel leader's death, cartel members set fire to vehicles and businesses across the country.
After the killing of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the country's most wanted drug lord El Mencho in Mexico, 55 people, including 25 security personnel, lost their lives in the ensuing violence.
As conflicts continue in Mexico following the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the toll is rising, with the U.S. offering a $10 million reward for his capture.
55 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES
Omar Garcia Harfuch, Mexico's Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, stated in a press release that violence erupted in 16 states following El Mencho's death.
Harfuch emphasized that 25 security personnel lost their lives due to CJNG's attacks and noted that 30 cartel members were neutralized during operations.
Harfuch reported that closure actions were carried out on 85 highways in 11 states, but thanks to the efforts of security forces, transportation on major routes returned to normal.
THOUSAND TOURISTS STRANDED
Meanwhile, around 1,000 tourists visiting the zoo in Guadalajara, one of the cities hosting the 2026 World Cup, were stranded due to their inability to return to their hometowns.
Authorities dispatched 21 buses and 5 minibuses to the area to prevent the tourists from suffering and also provided food assistance.
FAMOUS SINGER'S CONCERT CANCELED
As flights were canceled in Puerto Vallarta, one of the country's leading tourist centers, public events, including a concert by American singer Kali Uchis, were also suspended.
Meanwhile, the body of El Mencho, who was killed in an operation conducted by the military, was transferred under heavy security measures from a hangar belonging to the Federal Republic Prosecutor's Office (FGR) to the forensic institution in Mexico City.
WHAT HAPPENED?
In Mexico, federal security forces conducted a military operation against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in the town of Tapalpa, approximately 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, where it was reported that CJNG leader El Mencho was killed during the clash.
Following the operation, numerous road closures and vehicle and business arson incidents occurred in Jalisco and other states as a possible retaliation by the criminal organization.
The Jalisco state government requested the public to stay at home, suspended public transportation, and implemented a "red alert" due to developments threatening public safety.