The killing of one of the most influential leaders of the drug cartels in Mexico has brought shockwaves of violence and retaliation in various states across Mexico.
The police have reacted swiftly by deploying troops and closing schools in an effort to contain the repercussions of the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Military Operation Sparks Nationwide Tension
The violence followed a major military operation in the western state of Jalisco targeting El Mencho, who was a long-time wanted criminal in both Mexico and the United States.
According to reports, the cartel leader was killed when Mexican special forces sent troops into his home state to capture him, which has so far resulted in a fear-gripping outbreak of violence across multiple regions in the country.
🚨🇺🇸🇲🇽 BREAKING: Sen. Bernie Moreno urges Mexico to seek U.S. military assistance as cartel violence spreads.
— RX (@TheReal_RX) February 22, 2026
New footage shows Mexican Army deploying into Jalisco-Guadalajara.
Mexican National Guard now engaged in intense clashes with heavily armed, fast-moving CJNG elements. pic.twitter.com/oM1nFeTApO
Upon hearing about El Mencho's death, armed faction members launched organised attacks, burning vehicles and blocking roads in various states, paralysing cities and major transportation routes in Mexico and the Jalisco cartel.
Authorities claim that the operation marks a major setback to the organised crime networks, but it also highlights the dangers that, on most occasions, come after the high-profile crackdown of cartels in the long-running war against drug trafficking organisations in Mexico.
Heavy Casualties Reported After Retaliation
The events that followed the operation were fatal. The security minister of Mexico said dozens of individuals died in the confrontations and the violence that ensued thereafter.
Among others, those involved were the members of the National Guard of the country, highlighting the severity of the conflict between the state troops and cartel gunmen.
The officials, as reported by the Associated Press, state that 25 National Guard members were killed during a series of attacks following the special forces mission regarding the location where the cartel leader was executed, which triggered fears that more violence was to come throughout the country.
In general, it was reported that over 70 people were killed in the process of capturing the drug lord and the violent events that followed, such as the security personnel and the suspected members of the cartel.
The statistics emphasise the magnitude of the conflicts and the deeply rooted influence of organised crime gangs that act in various regions of the state.
Schools Shut And Troops Sent Into Streets
The unrest was met by the authorities, who came up with emergency measures aimed at stabilising the affected areas. Educational establishments were shut down in Guadalajara and some other cities, and inhabitants were encouraged to be very watchful as security concerns remain critical following the murder of El Mencho.
Meanwhile, the government sent approximately 10,000 military personnel to various states, trying to restore order and stop further assaults. The mass movement reflects how threatening the retaliation of cartels would be and the importance of the authorities to stay in the lead.
There were reports of roadblocks, burning cars, and armed confrontations in different parts of the country, with several communities being on edge and without a clue when the violence would end.
The Cartel Leader Behind A Powerful Criminal Network
El Mencho had established the CJNG to be among the fastest expanding and most violent criminal organisations in Mexico, which operated in drug trafficking, armed assault, and international smuggling networks. His leadership made the cartel a significant player in the criminal life of the country.
Security analysts assert that the elimination of such a keen person can be both positive and negative. As much as it will undermine the leadership of a cartel, it may also result in a power struggle or revenge as groups seek to control power.
Government Faces Uncertain Aftermath
The government of Mexico has demanded that security agencies stay in power and their activities will be going on against organised criminal gangs. The murder of El Mencho is one of the most important strikes against the CJNG in recent years.
The violent reaction it had, however, shows the extent to which cartel networks are entrenched and how hard it may be to take them down without bringing about additional instability.
With the ongoing investigations and the current security forces monitoring the areas that have been affected, the following weeks will probably set the pace in the way the operation will eventually either disrupt the cartel or bring another round of violence to the long-running war that Mexico has been waging against organised crime.
