Mexico’s Defense Ministry confirmed on Sunday the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation (CJNG), during an operation carried out in Tapalpa, Jalisco (west), with the support of US authorities.
Alias El Mencho was killed during an operation in Tapalpa, 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital. Oseguera Cervantes, 56, was one of the most wanted criminals by Mexican and U.S. authorities, with a million-dollar reward for information leading to his capture.
U.S. aids Mexico in Mencho’s downfall
#UltimaHora #Comunicado@Defensamx1 it is made known to the public that, with the work of central military intelligence, the National Intelligence Center and the Attorney General’s Office (FEMDO), Special Forces of the Mexican Army planned and…
– @Defensamx (@Defensamx1) February 22, 2026
In a press release, the agency emphasized that, within the framework of bilateral cooperation, additional information provided by U.S. authorities was used to carry out the operation.
“In addition to the central military intelligence work, within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the United States of America, complementary information was provided by authorities of that country,” the note indicated.
During the action, explained the authority, military personnel were attacked and repelled the aggression, leaving four alleged CJNG members dead at the scene and three more seriously wounded, who died while being airlifted to Mexico City.
Among them was Oseguera Cervantes, whose identification will be confirmed by the corresponding expert analysis, he said.
In addition, he said that two other alleged members of the organization were arrested and various weapons and armored vehicles were seized, including rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft.
On the other hand, he indicated that three soldiers were injured and were taken to hospitals in the country’s capital to receive medical attention.
The operation was planned by central military intelligence, the National Intelligence Center and the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), through the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (Femdo), with the deployment of reinforcements in Jalisco and neighboring states.
Following the operation and in reaction to the criminal group, there were several blockades and burning of vehicles and businesses in Jalisco and other states in the country, such as Michoacán (west), Guerrero (center), Tamaulipas (north) and Baja California (northwest).
Filed under: U.S. aids Mexico in Mencho’s downfall
With information from EFE
