Helicopters, US aid and more than 70 deaths: what the operation that killed ‘El Mencho’ was like and sparked a wave of violence in Mexico

Operation against cartel causes terror in Mexico The head of Mexico’s most wanted cartel, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, was captured and killed during a military operation on Sunday (22). The action triggered a wave of violence in several Mexican states, with more than 70 deaths. ✅ Follow g1’s international news channel on WhatsApp ▶️ Context: El Mencho headed the “Jalisco Nova Geração” cartel, identified as one of the main suppliers of fentanyl to the United States. The criminal was one of the most violent figures in Mexican organized crime. He was located in a property in the city of Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco, by security forces. Injured during the operation, the criminal died after being captured while being transferred to another city. The operation generated a strong reaction from organized crime and placed the country on alert. El Mencho had been wanted by Mexican and US authorities for years. The US State Department even offered a reward of US$15 million for information leading to his capture. 🚨 Preparation for the operation that killed El Mencho began on Saturday (21). According to authorities, investigators discovered the criminal’s whereabouts after his girlfriend visited the property in Tapalpa. The information was passed on by a person close to her. After the woman left the place, intelligence services confirmed that the criminal was still in the property, protected by security guards. Also on Saturday, the Army sent troops to the region in a confidential operation. Members of the National Guard, special forces, military aircraft and six helicopters participated. A US defense official told Reuters that a task force focused on collecting intelligence on cartels also participated in the action. Capture and death The United States even offered a reward of US$15 million for information leading to the capture of El Mencho. US Department of Justice Before dawn on Sunday, ground forces surrounded the area where El Mencho was located. Afterwards, armed men from the cartel clashed with the military. Eight suspects died in that first shooting. El Mencho and allies fled to huts in a forested area in the region. There was a new confrontation in the region, according to Mexican authorities. After the situation was controlled, soldiers found El Mencho and two injured security guards. A helicopter was called to take them to the hospital, but the criminal died during the flight. The aircraft was supposed to land in Guadalajara, but was diverted to another city in a neighboring state because of the wave of violence that was beginning. Afterwards, his body was placed on a military plane and taken to Mexico City. MORE REUTERS/Stringer The operation provoked a wave of violence in Mexico. According to the Ministry of Defense, one of the cartel’s leaders, known as “El Tuli”, ordered roadblocks, fires and attacks on public buildings in Jalisco. 💰 According to the Mexican government, the cartel started offering a reward of 20 thousand pesos (R$ 6 thousand) for the deaths of soldiers. Still on Sunday, residents and tourists were advised to stay at home. Airlines have canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta, a Pacific tourist destination. Tourists reported smoke in the region. Truck drivers were instructed to change routes or return to depots. Schools and universities suspended classes in Jalisco and other states. According to authorities, around 30 suspected cartel members, 25 National Guard agents and one civilian died in the wave of violence. Additionally, at least 70 people were arrested in seven states. El Tuli was located about 180 km from Guadalajara. He tried to escape by car, reacted to arrest and died in a confrontation with soldiers. Current situation Mexican military reinforce security at Benito Juarez International Airport, in Mexico City, on February 22, 2026 REUTERS/Luis Cortes The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, stated that, as of Monday morning (23), there were no more roadblocks. According to her, the situation should return to normal, and flights could resume by Tuesday (24). Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said that possible successors to El Mencho are being monitored. Authorities monitor the risk of new attacks, both by the same cartel and rival groups. The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated on social media that Mexico “needs to intensify efforts against cartels and drugs”. VIDEOS: most watched on g1

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