<p><span data-contrast="auto">Mexico’s military has killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, alias El Mencho, the leader of the country’s most powerful drug group, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Mexico’s Defence Ministry (SEDENA) officially confirmed the development on Sunday, February 23, 2026.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">The 59-year-old cartel chief died from injuries sustained during the operation while being airlifted to Mexico City for treatment.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <h2><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Who Was El Mencho?</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Once a police officer, El Mencho later entered the world of organized crime and rose to become one of the world’s most feared drug traffickers. Over the past decade, he transformed CJNG into Mexico’s most powerful and brutal cartel.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">The group was heavily involved in trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and other narcotics, particularly into the United States.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">The US had listed him among the world’s most dangerous drug lords and announced a reward of $15 million (about ₹125 crore) for information leading to his capture. Mexico had also declared a $1.7 million reward in 2018.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">In 2022, the US Justice Department accused him of manufacturing fentanyl and smuggling it into the United States. El Mencho had been in hiding since 2015 and had repeatedly evaded arrest.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <h2><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Military Operation Leaves 4 Gangsters Dead</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="auto">The operation took place in Tapalpa city of western Jalisco, considered a stronghold of CJNG. Mexican special forces conducted a raid targeting El Mencho.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">During the operation, at least four CJNG members were killed on the spot, while two others died during aerial transfer, taking the total number of cartel members killed to seven. Authorities also arrested two suspects and recovered several weapons, including aircraft-downing launchers and armored vehicles. Three soldiers were injured in the action.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <h2><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Violence Erupts After Cartel Chief’s Death</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Soon after news of El Mencho’s death spread, CJNG members allegedly attempted retaliation. Violence was reported across multiple Mexican states, including Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima, Guerrero, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Zacatecas, and Tamaulipas.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <h2><strong><span data-contrast="auto">President Responds, US Calls It Major Victory</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Claudia Sheinbaum initially refrained from directly confirming the killing, saying the security cabinet would provide details. She later stated that the situation remained normal in most parts of the country.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Christopher Landau posted on X that the development is a “major victory” for Mexico, the United States, Latin America, and the world.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <h2><strong><span data-contrast="auto">US Intelligence Helped Operation</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Mexico’s Defence Ministry said the United States provided intelligence that helped make the operation successful. The Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel under the US Northern Command worked alongside Mexican forces.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">A US official said the mission was entirely conducted by Mexico, though American intelligence played a key supporting role. Under pressure from the Trump administration, Mexico has intensified its crackdown on drug cartels.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Officials say the incident marks a significant turning point in Mexico’s drug war. While El Mencho’s death could trigger leadership changes within CJNG, authorities warn that ongoing violence may worsen the situation. Investigations are underway, and forensic identification of the bodies will be conducted.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/who-was-el-mencho-mexico-s-most-notorious-cartel-boss-with-a-15-million-bounty-1828330
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