A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle after it was set on fire, in Cointzio, Michoacán state, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, following the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.” Armando Solis/AP Photo
The killing of a top cartel figure in an operation by Mexican security forces triggered a wave of violence that spread across Mexico on Feb. 22.
Mexican military and police forces carried out an interagency raid to capture Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” whom authorities considered the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG).
