Rev. George Varughese (Shaji Karackal)
Mexico City, Mexico: The notorious Mexican drug lord and “Mexico’s most wanted” Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho”, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed on Sunday, February 22, 2026, during a high-profile Mexican military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state. This has triggered widespread retaliatory violence across Mexico, with reports describing parts of the country as “on fire” due to arson, roadblocks, and clashes.
Mexican special forces, with reported U.S. intelligence support, raided a location in Tapalpa (southwest of Guadalajara). El Mencho (age ~59) was wounded in a shootout, along with several associates. He died en route to Mexico City by air for medical treatment. At least 8 cartel members were killed in the raid.
El Mencho was Mexico’s most-wanted fugitive, heading the CJNG—one of the world’s most violent and expansive cartels, dominant in fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine trafficking into the U.S. He had a $15 million U.S. bounty and was linked to extreme brutality, attacks on officials, and fuel theft.
This marks a major win for the Mexican government under President Claudia Sheinbaum and a boost for U.S.-Mexico cooperation (praised by the Trump administration as a “great development”).
The Retaliatory Violence by drug cartel members, and now “Mexico is on Fire. CJNG gunmen responded rapidly and coordinatedly, unleashing chaos in at least 20 of Mexico’s 32 states (heaviest in Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima, and tourist areas like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara).
Setting vehicles (buses, cars), businesses, and gas stations ablaze. Erecting burning roadblocks/highway blockades (over 250 reported initially). Clashes with security forces, turning cities into “ghost towns” with civilians sheltering indoors. At least 25 Mexican National Guard members killed in attacks; dozens more cartel members and civilians affected in shootouts/explosions.
Schools canceled in multiple states; authorities urged people to stay home. Many roads cleared by Monday, but fear of escalation persists. U.S. and other visitors (especially in Puerto Vallarta) stranded or advised to shelter in place, describing scenes as a “war zone” with smoke, fires, and unrest.
This echoes past cartel leader deaths (e.g., “El Chapo” Guzmán’s recapture), where power vacuums spark internal fights or revenge. Analysts warn of potential infighting within CJNG or rival cartels exploiting the void, though the immediate response shows the group’s remaining strength
