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El Mencho’s Death Triggers Nationwide Violence, Massive Troop Deployments and Power‑Vacuum Fears Ahead of World Cup

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  • Police patrol Guadalajara, Mexico, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, a day after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
    Police patrol Guadalajara, Mexico, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, a day after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
    Image: Newsweek
    Police patrol Guadalajara, Mexico, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, a day after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte) Source Full size
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  • Unrest erupted in Jalisco on Sunday, where organised crime groups burned cars after the killing of drug cartel leader "El Mencho".
    Unrest erupted in Jalisco on Sunday, where organised crime groups burned cars after the killing of drug cartel leader "El Mencho".
    Image: BBC
    Unrest erupted in Jalisco on Sunday, where organised crime groups burned cars after the killing of drug cartel leader "El Mencho". (Getty Images) Source Full size
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  • A member of Mexico's National Guard stands near the charred wreckage of a bus that appears to have been set on fire by organised crime groups in Jalisco state on Sunday
    A member of Mexico's National Guard stands near the charred wreckage of a bus that appears to have been set on fire by organised crime groups in Jalisco state on Sunday
    Image: BBC
    A member of Mexico's National Guard stands near the charred wreckage of a bus that appears to have been set on fire by organised crime groups in Jalisco state on Sunday (Getty Images) Source Full size
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  • Members of the special units of the National Guard and the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana stand guard in front of the Fiscalia General de la Republica, where the investigation into the operation in which Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, founder and leading head of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva, was killed, is underway on February 22, 2026 in Mexico.
    Members of the special units of the National Guard and the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana stand guard in front of the Fiscalia General de la Republica, where the investigation into the operation in which Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, founder and leading head of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva, was killed, is underway on February 22, 2026 in Mexico.
    Image: Newsweek
    Members of the special units of the National Guard and the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana stand guard in front of the Fiscalia General de la Republica, where the investigation into the operation in which Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, founder and leading head of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva, was killed, is underway on February 22, 2026 in Mexico. Source Full size
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    Image: Le Monde
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  • Unrest erupted in Jalisco on Sunday, where organised crime groups burned cars after the killing of drug cartel leader "El Mencho".
    Unrest erupted in Jalisco on Sunday, where organised crime groups burned cars after the killing of drug cartel leader "El Mencho".
    Image: BBC
    Unrest erupted in Jalisco on Sunday, where organised crime groups burned cars after the killing of drug cartel leader "El Mencho". (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • Content creator Marc-André, who took this drone footage in Puerto Vallarta where he lives, described the situation as "heartbreaking"
    Content creator Marc-André, who took this drone footage in Puerto Vallarta where he lives, described the situation as "heartbreaking"
    Image: BBC
    Content creator Marc-André, who took this drone footage in Puerto Vallarta where he lives, described the situation as "heartbreaking" (MoreLifeDiaries via Reuters) Source Full size
  • A member of Mexico's National Guard stands near the charred wreckage of a bus that appears to have been set on fire by organised crime groups in Jalisco state on Sunday
    A member of Mexico's National Guard stands near the charred wreckage of a bus that appears to have been set on fire by organised crime groups in Jalisco state on Sunday
    Image: BBC
    A member of Mexico's National Guard stands near the charred wreckage of a bus that appears to have been set on fire by organised crime groups in Jalisco state on Sunday (Getty Images) Source Full size
  • Smoke billows from burning buses in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco state, on Sunday
    Smoke billows from burning buses in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco state, on Sunday
    Image: BBC
    Smoke billows from burning buses in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco state, on Sunday (Reuters) Source Full size
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  • The US had offered a $15m (£11.1m) bounty for information on El Mencho's whereabouts
    The US had offered a $15m (£11.1m) bounty for information on El Mencho's whereabouts
    Image: BBC
    The US had offered a $15m (£11.1m) bounty for information on El Mencho's whereabouts (Reuters) Source Full size
  • Plumes of smoke rose along the waterfront in Puerto Vallarta
    Plumes of smoke rose along the waterfront in Puerto Vallarta
    Image: BBC
    Plumes of smoke rose along the waterfront in Puerto Vallarta (Shutterstock) Source Full size
  • Image: Newsweek
    Source Full size
  • Police patrol Guadalajara, Mexico, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, a day after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
    Police patrol Guadalajara, Mexico, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, a day after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
    Image: Newsweek
    Police patrol Guadalajara, Mexico, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, a day after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte) Source Full size
  • Members of the special units of the National Guard and the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana stand guard in front of the Fiscalia General de la Republica, where the investigation into the operation in which Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, founder and leading head of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva, was killed, is underway on February 22, 2026 in Mexico.
    Members of the special units of the National Guard and the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana stand guard in front of the Fiscalia General de la Republica, where the investigation into the operation in which Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, founder and leading head of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva, was killed, is underway on February 22, 2026 in Mexico.
    Image: Newsweek
    Members of the special units of the National Guard and the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana stand guard in front of the Fiscalia General de la Republica, where the investigation into the operation in which Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, founder and leading head of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva, was killed, is underway on February 22, 2026 in Mexico. Source Full size
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  • A Guadalajara (Mexique), après les violences liées à la mort du narcotrafiquant Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, dit « El Mencho », le 22 février 2026.DIEGO MORENO/CLASOS PRESS/ABACA
    A Guadalajara (Mexique), après les violences liées à la mort du narcotrafiquant Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, dit « El Mencho », le 22 février 2026.DIEGO MORENO/CLASOS PRESS/ABACA
    Image: Le Monde
    A Guadalajara (Mexique), après les violences liées à la mort du narcotrafiquant Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, dit « El Mencho », le 22 février 2026.DIEGO MORENO/CLASOS PRESS/ABACA (DIEGO MORENO/CLASOS PRESS/ABACA) Source Full size
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    Image: Le Monde
    Le Monde Source Full size
  • Carcasses de véhicules incendiés sur une autoroute, près d’Acatlan de Juarez, dans l’Etat de Jalisco, au Mexique, le 22 février 2026. Une vague de violence submerge le pays, après la mort, dimanche, dans une opération militaire, du narcotrafiquant Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias « El Mencho », chef du redouté cartel de Jalisco Nouvelle Génération (CJNG).ULISES RUIZ / AFP
    Carcasses de véhicules incendiés sur une autoroute, près d’Acatlan de Juarez, dans l’Etat de Jalisco, au Mexique, le 22 février 2026. Une vague de violence submerge le pays, après la mort, dimanche, dans une opération militaire, du narcotrafiquant Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias « El Mencho », chef du redouté cartel de Jalisco Nouvelle Génération (CJNG).ULISES RUIZ / AFP
    Image: Le Monde
    Carcasses de véhicules incendiés sur une autoroute, près d’Acatlan de Juarez, dans l’Etat de Jalisco, au Mexique, le 22 février 2026. Une vague de violence submerge le pays, après la mort, dimanche, dans une opération militaire, du narcotrafiquant Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias « El Mencho », chef du redouté cartel de Jalisco Nouvelle Génération (CJNG).ULISES RUIZ / AFP (ULISES RUIZ / AFP) Source Full size
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    Image: Le Monde
    Le Monde Source Full size
  • Après la mort du chef du Cartel de Jalisco Nouvelle Génération, « El Mencho », à Puerto Vallarta (Mexique), le 22 février 2026.INSTAGRAM DE MORELIFEDIARES VIA REUTERS
    Après la mort du chef du Cartel de Jalisco Nouvelle Génération, « El Mencho », à Puerto Vallarta (Mexique), le 22 février 2026.INSTAGRAM DE MORELIFEDIARES VIA REUTERS
    Image: Le Monde
    Après la mort du chef du Cartel de Jalisco Nouvelle Génération, « El Mencho », à Puerto Vallarta (Mexique), le 22 février 2026.INSTAGRAM DE MORELIFEDIARES VIA REUTERS (INSTAGRAM DE MORELIFEDIARES VIA REUTERS) Source Full size
  • Après la mort du chef du Cartel de Jalisco Nouvelle Génération, « El Mencho », à Guadalajara (Mexique), le 22 février 2026.ALEJANDRA LEYVA/AP
    Après la mort du chef du Cartel de Jalisco Nouvelle Génération, « El Mencho », à Guadalajara (Mexique), le 22 février 2026.ALEJANDRA LEYVA/AP
    Image: Le Monde
    Après la mort du chef du Cartel de Jalisco Nouvelle Génération, « El Mencho », à Guadalajara (Mexique), le 22 février 2026.ALEJANDRA LEYVA/AP (ALEJANDRA LEYVA/AP) Source Full size
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    Image: Le Monde
    Le Monde Source Full size
  • Un agent du bureau du procureur près d’un bus incendié par des groupes criminels organisés, à Zapopan (Mexique), le 22 février 2026.ULISES RUIZ/AFP
    Un agent du bureau du procureur près d’un bus incendié par des groupes criminels organisés, à Zapopan (Mexique), le 22 février 2026.ULISES RUIZ/AFP
    Image: Le Monde
    Un agent du bureau du procureur près d’un bus incendié par des groupes criminels organisés, à Zapopan (Mexique), le 22 février 2026.ULISES RUIZ/AFP (ULISES RUIZ/AFP) Source Full size

El Mencho Killed in Tapalpa Raid with U.S. Intelligence Support On 22 February 2026 Mexican special forces and the National Guard shot Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” in Tapalpa, Jalisco, after a tip from a trusted associate of his lover led troops to his hideout [2][13]. U.S. agencies supplied actionable intelligence and a $15 million bounty, though no American troops entered the operation [2][5][14][20]. The clash left 71 people dead, including 25 National Guard members, roughly 30 cartel gunmen and several civilians [1][6][18]. Oseguera’s death marks the most high‑profile cartel decapitation since the 2016 capture of “El Chapo” Guzmán [15][19].

Retaliation Sparks Arson, Roadblocks and Flight Cancellations Across 20 States CJNG affiliates responded within hours, setting buses, cars and storefronts ablaze in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and dozens of other cities, while erecting over 250 roadblocks laced with spikes in 20 states [7][12][16][18]. The violence claimed dozens of additional lives, including the 25 National Guard members, a prison guard, a state prosecutor’s employee and at least 30 cartel fighters [1][4][13][20]. Airlines suspended regional flights to major hubs such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, and tourists were stranded as consular services were overwhelmed [8][14][16][20]. Authorities reported that 83 % of 65 roadblocks in Jalisco were cleared by Monday, but sporadic clashes continued in neighboring states [3][4].

Mexico Mobilises Nearly 9,500 Troops and Declares a Return to Normalcy The federal government dispatched an extra 2,500 soldiers to western Mexico, bringing the total deployment since the raid to about 9,500 troops nationwide [12][20]. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that “peace, security and normalcy are being maintained,” while the Security Cabinet reported most roadblocks cleared and essential services restored [3][4][20]. Troops continue to guard key sites such as the General Prosecutor’s headquarters in Mexico City and patrol damaged areas in Guadalajara [7][13]. Despite the heavy presence, analysts note that the cartel’s franchise‑like structure may allow it to operate despite the military surge [15][19].

Analysts Warn a Weaker Successor Could Fuel Instability Before the World Cup David Mora of the International Crisis Group cautioned that the next CJNG leader is likely less powerful, raising the risk of internal splits and competition from rival groups [1]. The timing of the raid, amid President Donald Trump’s public pressure on Mexico and the upcoming 2026 World Cup matches in Guadalajara, amplifies concerns about a security vacuum [2][5][19]. Some experts argue the cartel’s franchise model will keep leadership intact in the short term, but expect a surge in localized violence as factions vie for control [2][5]. The potential for “narcoterrorism” attacks, including car bombs and aircraft strikes, has also been highlighted [19].

International Travel Alerts and Hotlines Activate as Violence Spreads The U.S. State Department urged Americans to shelter in place, opened a 24/7 crisis hotline and warned of heightened risk in Jalisco, Baja California and other affected states [14][16][20]. Canadian officials issued travel warnings, noting a surge of over 26,000 Canadians abroad seeking updates, while the UK Foreign Office advised extreme caution [8][16]. Airlines such as Air Canada, United and Southwest cancelled or rerouted flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and other destinations, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded [8][14][20]. Local communities organized ad‑hoc fire‑fighting teams and opened grocery stores to aid stranded visitors despite the unrest [8][16].

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Timeline

2009 – Oseguera founds the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which quickly expands into a multi‑drug empire trafficking cocaine, meth, fentanyl and migrants, laying the groundwork for future cartel dominance [6][22].

2015 – CJNG shoots down a Mexican military helicopter in Jalisco, demonstrating its capacity for high‑profile armed attacks and cementing its reputation for extreme violence [6].

2016 – CJNG kidnaps the son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán in Puerto Vallarta, releasing him later, an episode that showcases the cartel’s bold tactics against rival drug families [6].

2025 – The United States designates CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization and offers a $15 million bounty for information leading to the arrest of its leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (“El Mencho”), intensifying bilateral pressure on the cartel [6][8].

Feb 22, 2026 – Mexican army commandos raid a cabin in Tapalpa, Jalisco, wound El Mencho and two bodyguards, and he dies while being air‑lifted to Mexico City; the operation also kills eight cartel members and seizes rocket launchers and armored vehicles [19][20].

Feb 22‑23, 2026 – CJNG launches coordinated retaliation across at least 20 states, setting fire to buses and businesses, erecting over 250 roadblocks, and killing dozens of National Guard members, police and suspected cartel fighters, plunging large swaths of Mexico into a war‑zone‑like state [2][3].

Feb 23, 2026 – The U.S. State Department issues a shelter‑in‑place alert for Americans in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León, warning of ongoing violence and advising travelers to remain indoors [14].

Feb 23, 2026 – President Claudia Sheinbaum posts on X urging calm, praising the armed forces and declaring that “most of the country is proceeding normally,” while urging citizens to stay informed and avoid panic [15].

Feb 23, 2026 – President Donald Trump tweets “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!” and reiterates his earlier threats of tariffs and unilateral military action, framing the raid as a response to his pressure on Mexico [8][11].

Feb 23‑24, 2026 – Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla deploys an additional 2,500 soldiers to western Mexico, bringing total troop deployments since the raid to about 9,500 nationwide, in an effort to restore order and protect key infrastructure [2].

Feb 24, 2026 – Air Canada announces it will resume full operations to Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday, while other airlines continue to cancel flights to Guadalajara and other affected cities, reflecting ongoing travel disruptions caused by the unrest [1].

Feb 24, 2026 – Security analysts such as Armando Vargas and Gustavo López Montiel state that CJNG’s franchise‑like structure will likely prevent a rapid leadership vacuum, but expect a surge in internal violence as lieutenants vie for power [7].

Feb 25, 2026 – Researcher David Mora warns that a weaker successor could trigger internal splits and competition from rival groups, potentially heightening violence in the weeks and months ahead [25].

July 2026 (World Cup) – Guadalajara prepares to host several 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, prompting heightened security measures and political emphasis on demonstrating stability after the El Mencho killing [4][7].

2026 (future) – The U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force‑Counter Cartels (JIATF‑CC), created last month, continues to supply intelligence to Mexican authorities, signaling ongoing bilateral cooperation against transnational drug trafficking [13][11].

2026 (future) – Analysts project that prolonged unrest could damage President Sheinbaum’s popularity and Mexico’s economy ahead of the World Cup, while also fueling anti‑U.S. sentiment that may affect upcoming elections in both countries [8].

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