On Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Mexican military confirmed the death of the notorious drug kingpin Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera during a high-stakes operation that has since ignited widespread chaos throughout the country.
The 59-year-old head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was fatally injured during a confrontation with troops in Tapalpa, Jalisco.
According to an official army statement, Oseguera succumbed to his wounds while being transported by air to Mexico City.
The drug lord, who had a $15 million US bounty on his head, is one of the most prominent figures to fall since the capture of Sinaloa cartel leaders Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and Ismael Zambada.
The military raid, which utilized intelligence provided by US authorities, resulted in the deaths of six other suspected gunmen and left three soldiers injured.
Security forces also apprehended two individuals and recovered an arsenal that included rocket launchers capable of destroying aircraft.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Washington “provided intelligence support” for the mission.
The aftermath of the killing has been marked by extreme violence. Cartel members launched retaliatory attacks, setting fire to vehicles and obstructing more than 20 roads in western Jalisco.
The unrest forced at least eight states to halt in-person schooling and prompted the judiciary to allow for court closures.
Amid the turmoil, President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a plea for public composure.
In Guadalajara, a host city for this summer’s World Cup, the atmosphere turned grim as businesses shuttered and major public gatherings were called off. Maria Medina, a gas station employee who fled an arson attack, recounted: “I thought they were going to kidnap us. I ran to a taco stand to take cover with the people there.”
The instability has crossed state lines into Michoacán and the resort destination of Puerto Vallarta, leading Guatemala to bolster security along its border. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau hailed the successful operation, labeling Oseguera “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.”
He added that “This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world.”
The operation comes at a time of significant tension between Mexico and the United States. US President Donald Trump has frequently pressured the Sheinbaum administration to curb the export of drugs like fentanyl, even threatening to impose tariffs.
Following the weekend’s events, the US State Department cautioned its citizens in several regions to “shelter in place until further notice,” while Canada issued similar travel warnings due to reports of “shootouts with security forces and explosions.”
Aviation has also been impacted, with multiple airlines canceling flights to Mexico as the security situation remains volatile.
