Mexican Army Eliminates CJNG Boss El Mencho, Triggering Nationwide Retaliation and Lieutenant “El Tuli” Hunt
Updated (2 articles)
El Mencho Killed in Tapalpa Shootout on Feb 24, 2026 Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, died after a firefight with Mexican army forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and was evacuated toward Mexico City where he succumbed to wounds [1]. The operation was guided by intelligence supplied by the United States, which also pledged a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture [1][2]. General Ricardo Trevilla confirmed that a tracked romantic partner led troops to the hideout, and the army reported that two of El Mencho’s bodyguards were also wounded [1].
CJNG Launches Coordinated Retaliation Across 20 States Within hours of the raid, cartel members erected more than 250 roadblocks in 20 states and set fire to vehicles, while other reports counted 85 to over 200 blockades nationwide, highlighting a discrepancy in reported figures [1][2]. The violence claimed over 70 lives, including security personnel, suspected cartel members and civilians, though exact breakdowns vary between sources [1][2]. Arson attacks targeted government facilities and disrupted airline flights, tourism, and industrial corridors in western Mexico [2].
Special Forces Kill Lieutenant “El Tuli” in Jalisco On Feb 23, 2026, Mexican Army, National Guard and Air Force commandos shot senior CJNG operative “El Tuli,” the cartel’s chief financial and logistics officer, as he attempted to flee the post‑raid chaos [2]. He had coordinated the retaliatory attacks and offered 20,000 pesos per soldier killed, acting as El Mencho’s right‑hand man [2]. Authorities seized more than 7.2 million pesos, $965,000 USD, rifles with grenade launchers, rocket launchers, mortar shells and the escape vehicle, turning them over to the Attorney General’s Office for investigation [2].
Security Forces Suffer Heavy Losses and Civilians Face Disruption The National Guard reported 25 members killed in six separate attacks following the leader’s death, while about 30 criminal suspects died in Jalisco and four in Michoacán [1]. Over 70 arrests followed the operation, and travel restrictions, road closures, and flight cancellations hampered daily life and tourism in the region [2]. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that no U.S. troops participated, despite American intelligence support [2].
Sources
-
1.
AP: Mexican army kills CJNG leader, sparking nationwide violence: details El Mencho’s death, the 70‑person death toll, extensive roadblocks, U.S. intelligence aid, and President Trump’s threat of tariffs .
-
2.
Newsweek: Mexican Special Forces Eliminate CJNG Lieutenant “El Tuli” After “El Mencho” Death: focuses on the elimination of “El Tuli,” asset seizures, varied roadblock counts, U.S. intel role, and the broader impact on travel and tourism .
Timeline
2025 – The United States designates the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) as a foreign terrorist organization, paving the way for heightened diplomatic pressure and a $15 million bounty for information on its leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (“El Mencho”) [2].
Feb 23, 2026 – Mexican army soldiers engage El Mencho and two bodyguards in a firefight near Tapalpa, Jalisco; the cartel boss is mortally wounded, dies while being evacuated to Mexico City, and the operation triggers more than 70 deaths among security forces, cartel members and civilians [2].
Feb 23, 2026 – President Claudia Sheinbaum states “No U.S. troops participated” in the operation, while U.S. agencies provide actionable intelligence that leads troops to the hideout, underscoring cross‑border cooperation in the manhunt [1].
Feb 23, 2026 – In retaliation, CJNG erects over 250 roadblocks across 20 states, sets fire to government vehicles, and launches coordinated attacks that kill 25 National Guard members and spark widespread disruption of travel and tourism in western Mexico’s industrial corridor [2].
Feb 23, 2026 – Gen. Ricardo Trevilla reports “A tracked romantic partner led troops to the hideout,” highlighting the role of personal intelligence in locating El Mencho and confirming that soldiers also eliminate a high‑ranking lieutenant offering $1,000 per soldier killed [2].
Feb 23, 2026 – Special forces, National Guard and Air Force units locate and kill senior CJNG operative “El Tuli,” the cartel’s chief financial and logistics officer, as he attempts to flee the post‑raid scene; authorities seize more than 7.2 million pesos, $965,000 USD, rifles, grenade launchers, rocket launchers and a vehicle for forensic investigation [1].
Feb 23, 2026 – President Donald Trump warns “We will consider tariffs or unilateral military action” if cartel‑related violence escalates, reflecting U.S. frustration and the potential for economic or military pressure following the surge in attacks [2].
Feb 23, 2026 – The Mexican Attorney General’s Office launches a financial‑tracing investigation into the assets captured from El Tuli, aiming to dismantle CJNG’s money‑laundering networks and prosecute the 70 arrests made in the wake of the operation [1].