At least 25 National Guard killed after Mexican drug lord’s death

At least 25 National Guard killed after Mexican drug lord’s death
A National Guard member patrols after security was reinforced following attacks by organised crime in Jalisco, Acapulco, 22 February, 2026.
Reuters

At least 25 members of Mexico's National Guard have died during a wave of violence in the state of Jalisco after the killing of a drug lord, the country's security minister has said.

Unrest spread across at least 20 Mexican states after Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as ‘El Mencho’, died in custody shortly after being captured by Mexican special forces on Sunday (22 February).

According to Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla, security forces located El Mencho by tracking a romantic partner he had arranged to meet. He was seriously wounded in a firefight between his bodyguards and military commandos deployed to detain him.

El Mencho died while being transported from Tapalpa, in Jalisco state, to Mexico City.

At least six of his security guards were killed during the operation, while three members of the Mexican military were injured, the defence ministry said.

The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) had been considered one of Mexico’s most wanted men and headed one of the country’s most feared criminal organisations.

Nationwide Violence

Following confirmation of his death, violence erupted in several regions where the cartel operates.

Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said a prison guard, a member of the state prosecutor’s office and 30 suspected cartel members were killed in the unrest.

Authorities deployed 2,500 soldiers to western Mexico to reinforce security.

Cartel members blocked roads with spikes and nails, hijacked and burned vehicles, and set fire to banks and local businesses. In several towns, residents were instructed to remain indoors as streets were left deserted.

A National Guard member stands on a vehicle on the Mexico City–Puebla highway, where criminals set a bus and trailer on fire in Jalisco, Santa Rita Tlahuapan, 22 February, 2026.
Reuters

Government Response

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the military operation and said her priority was to restore peace and stability nationwide.

She added that roadblocks had been cleared by Monday morning, although damage to infrastructure and businesses remained significant.

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