Mexico descends into violence after cartel leader ‘El Mencho’ killed

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by By AFP, AP and ReutersFebruary 23, 2026 at 09:51 AM

AI Summary

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In February 2026, widespread violence erupted in Mexico after the military killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The cartel responded by blocking roads and setting vehicles ablaze across 20 states, disrupting daily life and prompting government warnings. "El Mencho" led one of Mexico's fastest-growing criminal networks, known for drug trafficking and attacks on government officials. The US provided intelligence support for the operation, having offered a $15 million reward for his capture. President Sheinbaum urged calm and stated that most roadblocks had been cleared, while facing pressure to address security concerns and drug trafficking since President Trump took office.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

White House 30% US Department of State 35% Donald Trump 40% United States ×355% Sinaloa Cartel 60% Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman 65% Claudia Sheinbaum ×270% Mexico ×885% Jalisco New Generation Cartel ×390% Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho) ×695%

Keywords

el mencho 100% cartel violence 90% jalisco new generation cartel 90% violence 80% drug trafficking 70% organized crime 60% claudia sheinbaum 60% kingpin strategy 50% us-mexico relations 50%