Security Crisis in Mexico: 25 National Guard Killed in Retaliation to El Mencho’s Demise

Mexico has been plunged into widespread violence and chaos following the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, the longtime leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Mexican military forces killed El Mencho during a raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, on February 22, 2026. He was fatally wounded in the clash, died shortly after while being airlifted to Mexico City, and the operation also resulted in the deaths of several of his associates (reports vary from 4–8 cartel members killed).

In swift retaliation, CJNG gunmen unleashed coordinated attacks across at least 20 of Mexico’s 32 states, including Jalisco (especially Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta), Colima, Michoacán, Nayarit, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas. Tactics included:

• Setting vehicles, buses, businesses, and infrastructure ablaze

• Erecting burning barricades and roadblocks (over 250 reported nationwide)

• Clashing with security forces, leading to significant casualties—authorities confirmed 25 National Guard members killed in multiple attacks in Jalisco alone, plus dozens more deaths among cartel operatives and others

The unrest forced school closures in multiple states, flight cancellations (especially to Puerto Vallarta), and shelter-in-place advisories for residents and tourists (including U.S. citizens urged to stay indoors in affected areas). Highways were blocked, turning parts of cities into ghost towns amid smoke and panic.

President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm, stating that “peace, security, and normalcy” are being maintained in most of the country, with federal and state forces coordinating to clear blockades and restore order. She praised the military operation while emphasizing ongoing efforts for stability.

This marks one of Mexico’s most severe nationwide security crises in recent memory, highlighting the risks of targeting high-profile cartel leaders and raising fears of further fragmentation or power struggles within the CJNG.