Feb. 22, 2026 — Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico Mexican security forces killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, longtime leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military operation backed by U.S. intelligence, triggering widespread retaliatory violence that has killed at least 73 people—including 25 National Guard members—and stranded U.S. tourists in Puerto Vallarta.
The operation, involving Mexico’s Air Force and National Guard’s Special Immediate Reaction Force, tracked El Mencho to a cabin complex outskirts via a romantic partner of a trusted associate, per Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo. After a fierce clash in wooded areas, El Mencho was wounded, taken into custody with accomplices, and died en route to Mexico City for treatment. Eight other CJNG members died in the raid, with two soldiers and three army personnel injured.
“El Mencho left, leaving behind a group with a large quantity of weapons; it was a very violent attack carried out by the organized crime group. The military forces repelled the attack,” Trevilla Trejo said.
CJNG responded with arson on vehicles, buses, and businesses like Autozone and Plaza Caracol Mall; over 250 roadblocks across 20 states; and six attacks on authorities, killing 25 National Guard members, a prison guard, a prosecutor’s office worker, a woman, and 30 criminals, according to Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch.
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In Puerto Vallarta, a top U.S. tourist spot with 1.23 million American visitors last year, smoke plumes, burning taxis, and clashes halted public transport and flights by Southwest, Delta, United, American, and Air Canada. Stranded travelers like Adryan Moorefield from Dallas and Jim Beck reported chaos, with the U.S. State Department urging shelter-in-place and offering a 24/7 hotline.
(Vantor via CNN)
President Claudia Sheinbaum asserted, > “Peace, security and normalcy are being maintained” across Mexico, announcing 2,500 reinforcement troops deployed to Jalisco and neighbors, restoring order in many areas (CNN live updates).
U.S. officials confirmed intelligence aid but no ground troops; President Donald Trump called for Mexico to intensify anti-cartel efforts. Experts hailed the raid as historic, warning of potential turf wars with rivals like Sinaloa (BBC).
CJNG, founded in Jalisco in 2010, dominates fentanyl, meth, and cocaine trafficking to the U.S., notorious for downing a military helicopter and assassinating officials.
