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Mexico Deploys Troops After ‘El Mencho’ Death Sparks Violence
Mexico deployed 9,500 troops after the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes sparked widespread violence across at least 20 states.
A soldier clears a roadblock on a road leading to Tapalpa, Mexico, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, a day after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader "El Mencho
Mexico has deployed thousands of additional soldiers to bolster security after a wave of violence erupted across at least 20 states following the death in custody of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” officials said Monday.
Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said an extra 2,500 soldiers were sent to western Mexico on Monday, bringing the total number of troops deployed since Sunday to about 9,500. The unrest began after El Mencho died shortly after being captured by Mexican special forces in Jalisco state.
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El Mencho led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country’s most feared criminal organizations, and was widely regarded as Mexico’s most wanted man. The US State Department had offered a $15 million (£11.1 million) reward for information leading to his capture.
According to Trevilla, El Mencho was located after authorities tracked down a romantic partner, he was meeting. He was seriously injured in a firefight between his bodyguards and military commandos deployed to capture him. He later died while being transported from the town of Tapalpa to Mexico City. At least six of his security guards were killed in the operation, while three members of the Mexican military were injured, the defense ministry said.
The Mexican Ministry of Defense stated that the raid was carried out by the army with support from the country’s National Guard and the Air Force. It said “complementary information” provided by the United States helped authorities seize the drug lord, but Mexico confirmed on Monday that no US forces were involved in his killing, according to AFP.
Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said at least 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard have died in Jalisco state since the violence erupted. He also reported that a prison guard, a member of the state prosecutor’s office, and 30 members of El Mencho’s criminal organization were killed in the unrest following his death.
As news of El Mencho’s death spread, cartel members launched coordinated attacks in towns and cities where the CJNG operates. In some areas, they blocked roads by scattering spikes and nails across the tarmac. In others, they commandeered buses and vehicles and set them ablaze in the middle of roads. Dozens of banks and local businesses were also damaged after being set on fire.
President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the army’s operation and said her priority was to guarantee peace and security nationwide. “There is calm, there is government, there are armed forces, and there is a lot of co-ordination,” Sheinbaum said. She added that roadblocks had been cleared by Monday morning.
Videos shared on social media and authenticated by BBC Verify showed tourists watching from a hotel pool as a military helicopter flew low overhead and smoke rose from buildings in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco state. In many towns, streets were deserted Sunday after local authorities urged residents to remain indoors.
BBC Verify also authenticated videos of clashes between cartel members and the National Guard in the town of San Isidro, north of Guadalajara, on Sunday. One video showed an armed individual firing toward several cars, while images depicted at least four bodies slumped beside a vehicle. CCTV footage from a nearby restaurant showed a vehicle ramming a National Guard truck while cartel members opened fire around 11:00 local time (05:00 GMT). The National Guard has not released details about that incident.
Editor’s Note:
This article reports on the security response by Mexico following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Casualty figures and operational details are based on statements from Mexican government officials and reports cited by AFP, while the video footage referenced was authenticated by BBC Verify.
