By Trendsetter Tribune 
GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Mexico is on a knife’s edge today following a massive military operation on Sunday, February 22, 2026, that resulted in the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the elusive leader of the hyper-violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The successful strike—described by analysts as the most significant blow to organized crime in over a decade—has triggered a wave of retaliatory terror that has paralyzed major cities and forced international travel to a standstill.+1
The operation, which involved Mexican Special Forces and “complementary intelligence” from the U.S., marks a definitive pivot in President Claudia Sheinbaum’s security strategy amid intense pressure from the Trump administration.
The Takedown: A Blow-by-Blow Account
According to the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), the operation unfolded in the town of Tapalpa, a mountain destination about 80 miles southwest of Guadalajara.
- The Ambush: Special Forces supported by the Air Force and National Guard descended on a CJNG stronghold. Cartel gunmen responded with high-powered rifles and rocket launchers.
- The Fatal Wound: El Mencho was seriously wounded during the initial firefight. He reportedly died while being airlifted to Mexico City for emergency medical treatment and interrogation.+1
- The Body Count: Six other suspected cartel members were killed at the scene, and two were taken into custody. Three members of the Mexican military were wounded in the exchange.+1
The Retaliation: A “State of Terror”
The news of El Mencho’s death sparked immediate and coordinated “narco-blockades” across at least 20 Mexican states, as CJNG foot soldiers utilized their signature “scorched earth” tactics to impede security forces.
| Location | Incident / Impact |
| Guadalajara | Residents were urged to shelter in place as gunmen torched buses and trucks on major avenues. 65 roadblocks were reported in Jalisco alone. |
| Puerto Vallarta | Plumes of smoke billowed over the tourist hub. Panicked travelers were seen sprinting through the airport as airlines like Delta, Air Canada, and Southwest canceled all flights. |
| Reynosa / Border | Roads to international bridges were blocked with burning vehicles; the U.S. State Department issued an emergency “shelter in place” order for American citizens. |
| Guanajuato | Coordinated attacks on pharmacies and convenience stores (OXXO) were reported late Sunday night. |
The “Kingpin” Pivot and the Trump Factor
For years, President Sheinbaum and her predecessor criticized the “kingpin strategy,” arguing it only leads to cartel fragmentation and more violence. However, recent months have seen a more confrontational approach, largely attributed to President Trump’s threats of direct U.S. military intervention and the designation of the CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.+1
- The “Big Prize”: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau hailed the killing as a “great development,” while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the U.S. provided critical intelligence.
- Winning Too Much: In a characteristically blunt response on Monday morning, President Trump posted to social media: “Winning too much, it’s just not fair!”—taking credit for the pressure campaign that led to the raid.
What Happens Next? The Power Vacuum
Security experts warn that the true test for Mexico begins now. Historically, the death of a leader like El Mencho—who commanded an army of over 7,000 men—leads to a “vulture phase” where rival groups and internal factions battle for control.
- Succession Crisis: Rumors suggest El Mencho’s inner circle may already be fractured. The DEA is closely monitoring “El Jardinero” (Audias Flores Silva) as a potential successor.
- The World Cup Concern: With Guadalajara set to host matches for the 2026 World Cup this summer, the international community is questioning whether the city can be stabilized in time for the tournament.
“There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states… activities are proceeding normally across most of the country.” — President Claudia Sheinbaum, Feb 22, 2026