Mexican forces report killing CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera during an operation in Jalisco after troops came under attack. Authorities also report arrests and major weapons seizures, including armored vehicles and rocket launchers. Retaliatory unrest has spread across key cities and resort areas, disrupting travel and prompting a U.S. shelter-in-place advisory in multiple states.
Mexico says it killed CJNG boss “El Mencho” in a Jalisco operation. Cartel areas saw unrest, narco blockades, and airport disruption in Guadalajara/Puerto Vallarta. U.S. citizens were told to shelter in place across several affected states. #ElMencho #Cartel #Mexico pic.twitter.com/KYeLvg5Y6w
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) February 23, 2026
- Mexico’s Ministry of Defense reports a military operation in the Tapalpa area of Jalisco targeted the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and resulted in the death of CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera.
- Troops were attacked and returned fire “in defense of their integrity,” leaving 4 CJNG members dead at the scene and 3 critically wounded.
- The 3 wounded later died during an air medevac transfer to Mexico City, including Ruben “N” (a) Mencho; authorities are conducting formal identification procedures.
- Security forces detained 2 additional CJNG members and seized weaponry and armored vehicles, including rocket launchers described as capable of downing aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.
- National Guard and Mexican Army units are deploying across Jalisco to reinforce security amid retaliatory unrest.
- Airlines are canceling flights amid developing security situations at Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports.
- Chaos and narco blockades are reported across multiple CJNG-influenced areas, including Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlajomulco, Tapalpa, Puerto Vallarta, Ciudad Guzmán, and Autlán.
- The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has advised U.S. citizens to shelter in place across parts of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León due to security operations, road blockages, and criminal activity.
