23.02.2026 19:46
Mexican Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla Trejo announced that they reached the hideout of Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), by following his girlfriend.
As the chaos continues across the country following the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," who was killed yesterday in Mexico, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexican Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla Trejo held a joint press conference.
"WE CAPTURED EL MENCHO WITH U.S. SUPPORT"
Minister Trejo stated that the operation against El Mencho was carried out with U.S. support, saying, "We benefited from U.S. agencies and intelligence organizations, and this allowed us to dismantle El Mencho's information networks and continue the operation. As you know, the intelligence process is very complex. It takes a lot of time. It requires gathering numerous clues and information from various sources," he said.
"WE REACHED HIS HIDING PLACE BY FOLLOWING HIS GIRLFRIEND"
Minister Trejo explained that they reached El Mencho's hiding place by following his girlfriend, noting that the identity of El Mencho's girlfriend was determined through another person. He reported that El Mencho's girlfriend was tracked to a property in Tapalpa, located in Jalisco state, stating, "On February 21, the woman left the property, and information was received that El Mencho was still in that location."
After receiving the information, Minister Trejo expressed that the operation was green-lighted, announcing that in the raid, in addition to El Mencho, 8 cartel members were also neutralized, and there was a violent clash between security forces and cartel members. Trejo also reported that ammunition and missile launchers were seized during the operation.
"THE MOST IMPORTANT THING RIGHT NOW IS THE SECURITY OF THE MEXICAN PEOPLE"
"The most important thing right now is to ensure peace and security for all the people of Mexico."
President Sheinbaum, addressing the ongoing conflicts across the country, called for calm. Sheinbaum stated, "The most important thing right now is to ensure peace and security for all the people of Mexico. Today, the situation is calmer, and the government is present, the armed forces are present, the security cabinet is present, and there is a lot of coordination," and promised citizens that security would be ensured.
THE CARTEL RESPONDED TO THE OPERATION WITH VIOLENT ACTIONS
Mexican security forces had conducted a military operation in the city of Tapalpa, located in Jalisco state, to capture Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho." The Mexican Ministry of Defense announced that 4 cartel members were killed at the scene during the ensuing conflict, and 3 cartel members, including El Mencho, lost their lives while being transported by air to Mexico City. It was reported that 2 cartel members were captured alive, and 3 security personnel were injured.
Following El Mencho's death, members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) set vehicles on fire in several cities and attacked Guadalajara International Airport. It was reported that cartel members clashed with security forces.