Chaos and panic broke out in Mexico after local Police forces, aided by U.S. intelligence, killed notorious drug lord “El Mencho“.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (real name), was the leader of a ruthless group called Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
However, during a military operation on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, the group was neutralized in Talpalpa, Jalisco.
The aftermath of the incident caused violent outbreaks that included blockades and arson attacks and street fighting, leading to disruptions at airports and cities including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
In a public post on X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed and gave details on the operation. She disclosed that the United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government.
According to Leavitt, ‘El Mencho’ was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland.
“In this operation, three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested,” she revealed.
Mexican authorities from the Secretariat of National Defense executed an operation which involved Central Intelligence together with the Attorney General Office and Army Special Forces and Air Force aircraft and National Guard Immediate Reaction Force.
They defended against the attack by capturing weapons which included rocket launchers that could destroy aircraft. Four CJNG members died at the scene, three wounded and two others taken into custody. Three military personnel suffered injuries which required airlift transport to Mexico City.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the citizens to remain calm assuring security and absolute coordination with the governments of all states.
She recognized the army, National Guard, and Security Cabinet, affirming normal activities amid reinforcements in Jalisco and adjacent states.
The raid targeted El Mencho who Trump designated in 2025 as the leader of a Foreign Terrorist Organization that was responsible for fentanyl distribution throughout the United States.
The immediate response involved narcobloqueos that used burning vehicles and created airport panic which led to U.S. Embassy warnings of shelter-in-place procedures.
