Mexican Military Operation Kills Notorious Cartel Leader El Mencho
MEXICO CITY — Mexican authorities confirmed on February 23, 2026, that Ruben “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the elusive leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a military operation. El Mencho, who rose to infamy following the downfall of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, had become Mexico’s most wanted drug kingpin and a central figure in the country’s violent criminal underworld.
Under Oseguera’s command, the CJNG aggressively expanded its influence across Mexico, engaging in fierce battles with rival cartels, notably the Sinaloa Cartel, for control of critical trafficking routes into the United States. The cartel’s reach extended deeply into the production and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, substances that have fueled a growing drug crisis across North America.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed that Mexican security forces, with support from U.S. intelligence agencies, conducted the operation that led to El Mencho’s death. The collaboration highlights the ongoing bilateral efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks. The U.S. Department of State has long identified the CJNG as one of the most dangerous and rapidly growing drug trafficking organizations worldwide.
El Mencho’s demise marks the fall of one of the most dominant figures in Mexico’s post–El Chapo era. His cartel was notorious not only for its drug trafficking but also for its use of extreme violence and sophisticated weaponry, including rocket launchers, which Mexican authorities seized in previous raids. The U.S. Department of Justice has detailed the CJNG’s extensive criminal enterprises, which have destabilized regions within Mexico and posed significant challenges to law enforcement.
Following the announcement, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a shelter-in-place order for American citizens amid concerns of potential cartel-related violence erupting in response to the operation. Such reactions have been common in the past when high-profile cartel leaders were targeted. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico continues to monitor the situation closely and advises travelers to exercise caution.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has faced criticism over the government’s handling of cartel violence, especially after drone incursions by criminal groups disrupted airspace near border cities. The military’s successful operation against El Mencho may provide a critical boost to the administration’s efforts to restore order.
Experts note that while the death of a cartel leader can create temporary disruptions, the CJNG’s entrenched network and the lucrative nature of the drug trade mean that the organization may attempt to quickly reorganize. The Drug Enforcement Administration continues to work with Mexican counterparts to target the cartel’s infrastructure and prevent the flow of narcotics into the United States.
El Mencho’s killing is a landmark event in the ongoing struggle against organized crime in Mexico, underscoring the complex challenges of combating powerful drug trafficking organizations that operate across borders. Authorities on both sides of the border remain vigilant as they seek to capitalize on this significant victory to advance security and justice in the region.
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