After El Mencho Got killed, Mexico Under CJNG Revenge | Pres. Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizen to Remain Calm

Rafia Tasleem | February 23, 2026 | 10:44 AM IST | Breaking News, Politics, World | Follow on Google News

After El Mencho Got killed, Mexico Under CJNG Revenge | Pres. Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizen to Remain Calm

Buildings and vehicles were vandalised as hundreds of fires lit up the skyline of Guadalajara after the Mexican army killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a security operation on Sunday.

Cartel gunmen retaliated by torching vehicles and blocking highways across nearly a dozen Mexican states — a tactic frequently used to hinder military operations.

Smoke was seen rising over the tourist hub of Puerto Vallarta, while violence spread rapidly into neighboring Michoacán, where the CJNG also maintains a strong presence.

In Jalisco’s capital Guadalajara, schools were closed and residents stayed indoors as gunfire erupted in public areas. Petrol pumps, stores, pharmacies and supermarkets were set ablaze.

Maria Medina, an employee at a gas station that was torched, said armed men ordered everyone to leave before setting the site on fire.

Visuals circulating on social media showed passengers taking cover at Guadalajara International Airport as armed men reportedly entered the premises. Other footage showed heavy machinery digging up sections of highways, rendering roads unusable.

Government Response, International Fallout

“El Mencho” was wounded during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and died while being flown to Mexico City for treatment. Authorities said four suspected cartel members were killed at the scene and two others were arrested. Security forces seized armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other high-powered weapons.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizens to remain calm, stating that federal and state authorities were coordinating closely. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus described the situation as “critical hours,” suspended public transport and advised residents to stay at home.

The US State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to Oseguera’s arrest. The cartel was recently designated a foreign terrorist organisation by US President Donald Trump’s administration. The CJNG is accused of trafficking large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration considers the CJNG to be as powerful as the Sinaloa Cartel, historically one of Mexico’s most notorious drug syndicates. The Sinaloa cartel has been weakened in recent years following the arrests of Ismael Zambada Garcia and Joaquin Guzman, both currently in US custody.

Amid escalating unrest, US and Canadian airlines cancelled dozens of flights to Mexico, and Washington issued advisories urging American citizens in affected regions to shelter in place.

El Mencho founded Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) around 2009–2010. Though it was founded following a split in the Milenio Cartel, the CJNG quickly became Mexico’s fastest-growing criminal organisation. The cartel’s total assets are estimated at $50 billion, with annual revenues reaching billions from trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

El Mencho’s son El Menchito was sentenced to life in prison in the US in 2025, his wife, Rosalinda González Valencia, was arrested for money laundering in 2021 and his brother, Abraham was recaptured in February 2025….(WION) & global outlets

Rafia Tasleem

Rafia Tasleem is a seasoned journalist from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, recognized for her expertise in content writing, investigative research, fact-based reporting, strategic media planning, presentation and lot more. With experience working for both national and international news organizations, she brings a deep understanding of media dynamics. Holding a Master’s in Communication and Media Studies from Aligarh Muslim University, she has been contributing to VoM News for the past two years. For inquiries, contact rafiatasleem@seashell-clam-300365.hostingersite.com.