Mexico Kills El Mencho, Triggering Cartel Violence and Security Crisis

preCharge News WORLD — Violent clashes erupted across parts of western Mexico on Sunday after a military operation killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), sparking widespread roadblocks, flight disruptions, and heightened security alerts.

CJNG Leader Killed in Jalisco Operation

Mexican Military Confirms Death of El Mencho

Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, during an operation in the western state of Jalisco, Mexico’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement on X.

#UltimaHora #Comunicado @Defensamx1 se hace del conocimiento a la opinión pública que, con trabajos de inteligencia militar central, del Centro Nacional de Inteligencia y de la Fiscalía General de República (FEMDO), Fuerzas Especiales del Ejército Mexicano planearon y…
— @Defensamx (@Defensamx1) February 22, 2026

Officials said Oseguera Cervantes was wounded during a raid in the town of Tapalpa and died while being transported by air to Mexico City.

The CJNG is based in Jalisco and is widely known for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and other drugs into the United States.

U.S. Confirms Intelligence Support

Washington Calls Killing a Major Blow to Drug Trafficking

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed the cartel leader’s death, describing him as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.”

“This is a great development for Mexico, the U.S., Latin America, and the world,” Landau said in a post on X.

I’ve just been informed that Mexican security forces have killed “El Mencho,” one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins. This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys./Los buenos somos más que…
— Christopher Landau (@DeputySecState) February 22, 2026

A U.S. defense official told preCharge News that the U.S. military supported the operation through the Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel, working alongside Mexico via U.S. Northern Command. The official stressed the raid was a Mexican-led operation.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. provided intelligence support.

Nationwide Violence Erupts

Cartel Roadblocks and Arson Spread Across States

The killing triggered hours of coordinated cartel retaliation, including burning vehicles and roadblocks across Jalisco and neighboring states.

Mexico’s security agency reported 252 blockades nationwide, with 65 in Jalisco alone, the highest of any state. By Sunday evening, 23 blockades had not yet been cleared.

Videos on social media showed smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta, while panic spread through the city’s airport.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro activated a “code red” emergency protocol, suspending public transportation and urging residents to stay indoors.

Casualties and Arrests

Weapons Seized, Troops Wounded

During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four people at the scene. Three others — including Oseguera Cervantes — later died from their injuries, authorities said.

Two suspects were arrested, and security forces seized armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other heavy weapons. Three members of the armed forces were wounded and are receiving medical care.

U.S. Issues Security Alert

Americans Told to Shelter in Place

The U.S. Department of State issued a security alert advising U.S. citizens in multiple Mexican states — including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León — to shelter in place.

Mexico: UPDATE – Due to ongoing, widespread security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity in many areas of Mexico, U.S. citizens should shelter in place until further notice. Roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic & int’l flights… pic.twitter.com/SIxMGKwGny
— TravelGov (@TravelGov) February 22, 2026

Taxi and rideshare services were suspended in Puerto Vallarta, according to the State Department’s Consular Affairs bureau.

Airlines Cancel Flights

Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara Impacted

Several airlines suspended or canceled operations:

Air Canada halted flights to Puerto Vallarta
Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines canceled flights
Delta Air Lines issued travel waivers and cancellations

Lufthansa said it planned to operate flights to Mexico on Monday under existing security protocols.

La Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional reportó el operativo llevado a cabo esta mañana por fuerzas federales, que derivó en diversos bloqueos y otras reacciones.

Existe absoluta coordinación con gobiernos de todos los estados; debemos mantenernos informados y en calma.

Las redes…
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) February 22, 2026

A Historic Blow to CJNG

One of the World’s Most Powerful Cartels

Former DEA official Mike Vigil called the operation “one of the most significant actions in the history of drug trafficking.”

The CJNG is considered by the Drug Enforcement Administration to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, with operations in all 50 U.S. states. The group has pioneered drone explosives, land mines, and direct attacks on military targets.

Oseguera Cervantes had been indicted multiple times in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and the U.S. had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

In February 2025, the Trump administration designated the CJNG a foreign terrorist organization, citing its role in fentanyl trafficking, extortion, weapons trade, and migrant smuggling.