TAPALPA, JALISCO — Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and one of the most wanted drug traffickers globally, was killed on February 22, 2026, during a high-stakes security operation conducted by the Mexican military.
The Operation
Mexican security forces, supported by intelligence provided by U.S. authorities, launched a targeted raid in the rural municipality of Tapalpa, Jalisco. The operation, aimed at capturing the 59-year-old kingpin, resulted in a fierce firefight. According to the Mexican Ministry of Defense, Oseguera Cervantes was critically wounded during the initial engagement and subsequently died while being transported by air to Mexico City for medical treatment.
Eight members of the criminal organization were killed in the confrontation, and authorities seized a cache of heavy weaponry, including rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft, as well as several armored vehicles.
Retaliatory Violence and National Security Alert
The death of "El Mencho"—who had a $15 million U.S. bounty on his head—triggered an immediate and violent backlash across multiple Mexican states. In an effort to hinder government forces, cartel operatives engaged in coordinated acts of terror, including:
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Widespread Roadblocks: Setting fire to buses, trucks, and private vehicles to paralyze transport networks.
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Infrastructure Attacks: Businesses and petrol stations were targeted and torched in cities such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
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Public Panic: The violence forced the cancellation of school classes in several states, led to the suspension of flights, and compelled many residents to shelter in place.
Strategic Implications
Security analysts view this operation as a significant tactical victory for the Mexican government, highlighting a shift toward more combative and intelligence-driven strategies against organized crime. However, the scale of the subsequent violence underscores the deep-rooted influence of the CJNG and the potential for a power vacuum.
Experts warn that the organization, known for its extreme brutality and rapid expansion, may enter a period of instability as leadership factions maneuver for control, likely leading to further clashes in the coming weeks. President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for calm, emphasizing that while the situation in parts of the country remains tense, security forces are working to restore order.