El Mencho, Mexico's most wanted drug kingpin, has been killed in a military operation by the Mexican army, with the United States providing intelligence support.
On Sunday, 22 Feb 2026, Mexico's Ministry of Defense announced that Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the most wanted drug lord and leader of the "Jalisco New Generation" (CJNG) cartel, was killed by the military in a security operation.
El Mencho died during a military operation at dawn on Sunday in Tapalpa, located in the central western part of Jalisco state.
The Ministry of Defense stated that several CJNG members were killed during the operation, while El Mencho sustained severe injuries and died en route by air to Mexico City. Three soldiers were also injured and have been hospitalized in Mexico City for emergency treatment.
The statement added that several armored vehicles and numerous weapons, including rocket launchers, were seized during this operation.
CJNG has expanded its power from its original stronghold in Jalisco and now maintains networks covering nearly all areas across Mexico.
Throughout Sunday, multiple car burnings were reported, along with sightings of armed gunmen on the streets of Jalisco and other areas. This led Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro to issue a public warning via social media, advising citizens to follow "red alert" precautions and avoid leaving their homes.
Meanwhile, the US State Department issued a warning advising American citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, as well as parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León states, to seek shelter indoors.
Mexico's Ministry of Defense confirmed that the United States provided intelligence that helped facilitate this operation.
Christopher Landau, former US Ambassador to Mexico and Assistant Secretary of State, posted on social media that El Mencho's death represents an "excellent development for Mexico, the United States, Latin America, and the world."
Previously, the United States had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to the capture of El Mencho.
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Source:bbc