Timeline
February 22, 2026 — February 23, 2026
World
Timeline: How Mexico's Most Wanted Drug Lord 'El Mencho' Was Killed and the Violent Aftermath
This timeline chronicles the military operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, leader of Mexico's powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on February 22, 2026, and the widespread violence that erupted across Mexico in the following 24 hours. The operation marks the highest-profile blow against Mexican cartels in a decade and triggered coordinated retaliation across 20 states.
13 events · 1 days · 30 source articles
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Major
Mexican authorities locate El Mencho's associate
Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla revealed that authorities had located an associate close to one of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes's girlfriends on February 20. This associate took the romantic partner to see Oseguera in Tapalpa, in the central-western Jalisco state, providing the first breakthrough in locating the drug lord.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Major
Girlfriend stopped and interrogated, operation planning begins
When El Mencho's girlfriend left the house the following day, authorities stopped her and obtained information confirming that Oseguera was in the house. Mexican authorities then began planning the military operation in coordination with US intelligence, which had been tracking the cartel leader who had a $15 million bounty on his head.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Major
Military raid launched in Tapalpa, Jalisco
Mexican army troops backed by the air force and special forces launched a major operation to capture El Mencho in the town of Tapalpa in southern Jalisco state. The operation involved US intelligence support and was designed to arrest the leader of one of Mexico's most powerful cartels, responsible for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Major
El Mencho wounded in firefight, dies en route to Mexico City
During the raid, four CJNG cartel members were killed and Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes was seriously wounded in clashes between his supporters and the army. Three army personnel were also injured. El Mencho and two other wounded cartel members died while being transferred by air to Mexico City. Two more people were arrested, and armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other weapons were seized.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Major
Cartel begins coordinated retaliation across Mexico
Within hours of El Mencho's death, CJNG members launched violent reprisals across the country. Cartel gunmen set fire to vehicles and blocked roads at more than 250 points in 20 Mexican states. Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over Puerto Vallarta and people sprinting through airports in panic as the cartel used burning vehicles to create roadblocks.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Major
Mexican officials confirm El Mencho's death
A federal official, speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed that the Mexican army had killed El Mencho during the military operation in Jalisco state. The confirmation came as violence continued to spread across multiple states, with Guadalajara turning into a ghost town as civilians hunkered down.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Moderate
US officials welcome killing as major development
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed the killing as a 'great development for Mexico, US, Latin America,' highlighting the cross-border cooperation between Mexican and US forces. The operation was seen as Mexico's biggest prize yet to show the Trump administration its efforts to crack down on cartels.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
Violence spreads overnight, schools cancelled across multiple states
As news of the killing spread, cartel violence intensified overnight. By Monday morning, schools were cancelled in several Mexican states including Jalisco and Michoacán. Local and foreign governments warned citizens to stay indoors as the CJNG continued blocking roads, torching businesses, and attacking security forces in at least a dozen states.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
President Sheinbaum urges calm amid widespread chaos
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo urged citizens to remain calm as the country grappled with the violent aftermath. The killing put significant pressure on her administration to maintain order while parts of Mexico remained paralyzed by roadblocks and arson attacks. The operation represented both a victory and a major security challenge for her government.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
Casualty toll revealed: At least 25 National Guard troops killed
Mexican security officials revealed the full extent of cartel reprisals, confirming that at least 25 National Guard soldiers were killed in clashes with CJNG members, along with a prison guard, a state official, and a civilian. The death toll highlighted the cartel's capacity for violent retaliation and raised fears of further chaos.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
Mexico deploys additional 2,500 troops to western states
Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla announced the deployment of an additional 2,500 troops to reinforce security in western Mexico, particularly Jalisco state. The reinforcements brought the total troop presence in Jalisco to approximately 9,500, as authorities struggled to contain the widespread violence and restore order in areas controlled by the CJNG.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
Defense officials detail full operation in press conference
In a detailed press conference, Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla explained how authorities tracked El Mencho through his girlfriend, planned the operation with US intelligence support, and executed the raid. He emphasized the exchanges of information with US authorities that made the operation possible, marking it as the highest-profile blow against cartels in a decade.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
Experts assess implications for Mexico's cartel landscape
As the violence continued, analysts and experts began assessing what El Mencho's death means for Mexico's drug war. Questions emerged about succession within the CJNG, whether the cartel would fragment or remain unified, and how the power vacuum might trigger further violence. The killing of one of only a handful of names with lasting impact in Mexican organized crime history marked a potential turning point in the country's ongoing battle against cartels.
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