Schools shut, troops on streets: Mexico on alert after ‘El Mencho’ killing

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 24, 2026 at 09:27 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Following the killing of drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera in a military operation near Guadalajara on Sunday, Mexico is on high alert due to widespread violence. The government has deployed 10,000 soldiers across 20 states to restore order. Schools in Guadalajara and other cities were closed, though public transport partially resumed. Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch reported at least 74 deaths, including 25 National Guard officers, in the operation and subsequent attacks. "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was one of Mexico's most wanted criminals.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Puerto Vallarta 40% Claudia Sheinbaum 50% Omar Garcia Harfuch 50% Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada 50% Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman 60% National Guard 60% Sinaloa Cartel 60% Guadalajara ×270% Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) ×280% Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera ×590% Mexico ×7100%

Keywords

el mencho killing 100% mexico 90% drug cartel violence 90% reprisal attacks 80% military operation 70% jalisco new generation cartel (cjng) 70% troop deployment 60% drug lord 60% organized crime 50%