In the wake of intense cartel violence sweeping across Mexico, 25 members of the Mexican National Guard and over 30 suspected criminals have been reported dead. This surge in violence was triggered by the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, officials announced on Monday.
Omar GarcÃa Harfuch, Mexico’s Security Secretary, stated that the National Guard troops in Jalisco were targeted in six separate attacks. These incidents occurred after Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a shootout at his residence during a Mexican military operation aimed at his capture. Additionally, approximately 30 criminal suspects were killed in Jalisco, with four more fatalities reported in Michoacan.
GarcÃa Harfuch also noted that among the casualties were a prison guard, an agent from the state prosecutor’s office, and an unidentified woman.
The United States played a supportive role by providing intelligence for the Mexican operation that ultimately led to the death of the cartel leader.
During a press conference in Mexico City, Mexican Security and Citizen Protection Minister Omar GarcÃa Harfuch addressed the media, with President Claudia Sheinbaum present. The conference took place on Monday, February 23, 2026, a day after the Mexican army’s successful operation against Oseguera Cervantes.
According to a report by Reuters, Mexican Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla revealed that the intelligence leading to the operation was sourced from a romantic partner of the crime boss.
A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle after it was set on fire in Cointzio, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, after the death of “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Armando Solis)
The cartel reacted to its leader’s death with violence across Mexico, placing roadblocks and setting vehicles on fire throughout Sunday.Â
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm Monday, and authorities said all the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states had been cleared.
The U.S. State Department said its personnel in cities across Mexico would shelter in place Monday, urging U.S. citizens in many parts of Mexico to do the same.
Oseguera Cervantes was the leader of one of the largest narco-terrorist cartels in the country.
“El Mencho” was killed during a shootout as the Mexican military attempted to capture him in an operation in Jalisco on Sunday, Feb. 22., 2026. (Drug Enforcement Administration)
The criminal network was notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States, and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged it.
