Mexico’s Biggest Drug Lord ‘El Mencho’ Killed: Girlfriend’s Visit Led Army to Him
Mexico City, February 24, 2026
Mexican forces eliminated Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (“El Mencho”), 59, leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), after tracking his girlfriend to a Tapalpa village meet-up. US Northern Command provided intel/tech support.
Mexican army intel spotted girlfriend heading to rendezvous; forces encircled area Saturday. Sunday’s National Guard special forces raid used ground/air assault on wooded hideout.
El Mencho’s guards wielded automatic rifles, 2 rocket launchers; fired at army helicopter (emergency landing). Cartel boss + 2 guards critically wounded, died en route Guadalajara hospital via chopper. Bodies sent Mexico City for verification.
CJNG retaliation: Shootouts, arson, roadblocks across 20 states; 25 National Guard dead, dozens cartel casualties. Guadalajara chaos; schools shut, panic buying. No clear successor with son “El Menchito” jailed in US.