23.02.2026 06:40
The killing of El Mencho, the leader of the country's largest cartel, who was wanted in Mexico with a reward of 10 million dollars, has created a stir with the intelligence support of the CIA. While the country is turning into a fire pit, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated that El Mencho's death is a great development for Mexico, the U.S., Latin America, and the world.
In an operation conducted by federal security forces in Mexico, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the country's most wanted drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," was killed.
FIRST STATEMENT FROM THE U.S.: A GREAT DEVELOPMENT
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated, "El Mencho's death is a great development for Mexico, the U.S., Latin America, and the entire world." He mentioned that the death of cartel leader El Mencho is a great development for Mexico, the U.S., Latin America, and the world. The Deputy Secretary expressed concern over the violence in the country.
A significant blow was dealt to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the largest criminal organizations in the country. CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed in a military operation conducted with CIA intelligence support. Mexican media reported that El Mencho was neutralized in an operation carried out in the city of Tapalpa, located in Jalisco state.
THE LEADER OF THE COUNTRY'S LARGEST CARTEL HAS BEEN KILLED
Following the operation, cartel members set fire to numerous vehicles in Jalisco and other states and clashed with security forces. Gunfire was also reported at Guadalajara International Airport. Local sources reported that CJNG members stormed the airport and engaged in a confrontation with security forces. Videos shared on social media from the airport showed many people fleeing in panic.
VEHICLES SET ON FIRE
After the operation, as a possible retaliation from the criminal organization, numerous roadblocks and vehicle and business arson incidents occurred in Jalisco and other states. Media and social media shared images of burned vehicles and rising smoke in Jalisco, Michoacan, Colima, Nayarit, Aguascalientes, and Tamaulipas, while reports also emerged of some businesses being set on fire in Guanajuato.
The Jalisco state government urged the public to stay at home, suspended public transportation, and implemented a "red alert" due to developments threatening public safety. Additionally, a joint security table was established among federal, state, and local governments.
ROADS CLOSED
From the early hours of the morning, many urban roads and highways were closed to traffic due to cartel-related roadblock actions. Images from Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco showed thick smoke covering the sky, and panic and fear were evident at bus terminals due to gunfire and explosions.
CARTEL MEMBERS STORMED THE AIRPORT WITH U.S. TOURISTS
The events did not stop there. Cartel members stormed the airport in Guadalajara where U.S. tourists were present. Jalisco State Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged the public to stay home "until the situation is under control," announced the suspension of public transportation services, and warned against traveling on state roads due to "violent incidents" that spread across at least five regions of the country.
THE U.S. HAD DESIGNATED HIM AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION
The U.S. accused El Mencho of running "a reign of terror" in Mexico and "ruining countless lives" through fentanyl trafficking. The Washington administration had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to El Mencho's capture or conviction.
CJNG is known as one of the Mexican cartels designated as a terrorist organization by the Washington administration since last year.