Guadalajara (Mexico) (AFP) - Mexico deployed ten thousand soldiers in the west of the country to contain violence that broke out after the killing of a drug cartel leader and left dozens dead.

Published on: 02/23/2026 - 12:21 Last updated: 02/23/2026 - 20:55

The Mexican army announced in a statement that the leader of the "Jalisco New Generation" cartel, Nemesio Oseguera, nicknamed "El Mencho," was injured in an operation carried out in the Tapalpa region in the state of Jalisco (west), and died "while being transported by air to Mexico City."

Against the background of the military operation, individuals believed to belong to the cartel committed acts of violence in 20 Mexican states.

Armed men blocked several roads with burning cars and trucks in the state of Jalisco, where charred and burning remains of vehicles were seen at night.

About 25 security personnel and about 30 members of the "Jalisco New Generation" were killed in acts of violence that occurred the day after the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, nicknamed "El Mencho," in a military operation, according to what the Mexican government announced Monday.

Mexican Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfouch announced on Monday that at least 25 members of the National Guard, in addition to a security guard and an employee of the Public Prosecution Office, were killed in attacks carried out by the “Jalisco New Generation,” which is one of the largest drug cartels, following the killing of its leader.

The minister added that during these events that took place in the western state of Jalisco, a woman and 30 members of the "Jalisco New Generation" cartel were killed by security forces.

The Mexican government announced the deployment of 2,500 additional soldiers in Jalisco, bringing to ten thousand the total number of military personnel deployed in the state since Sunday.

The authorities are seeking to prevent the escalation of unrest four months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico is organizing in cooperation with the United States and Canada, noting that Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco located in the west of the country where the violence broke out, is one of its host cities.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday morning the removal of all roadblocks, but Agence France-Presse monitored some of them near Guadalajara and the site of El Mencho's detention.

Sheinbaum said Monday in a press conference that “the most important thing” is “protecting the population,” stressing that “the country is calm and peaceful.”

Businesses and schools closed

In Guadalajara, there was little movement in the streets, and most commercial establishments were closed Monday for fear of violence.

Jorge Martinez, a 70-year-old retiree who decided to go to a pharmacy to buy medicine, said, "The situation is a bit delicate. Some stores have barely opened... My family did not go out today." He received his purchases through a window.

“We go out, but we feel a little afraid,” said Teresa Losa, 51, who is taking care of the son of one of her brothers.

Schools were closed in Jalisco and about ten other states for fear of violence.

Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico and will host four matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

In response to a question from Agence France-Presse, a spokeswoman for the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) said that the body does not wish to make any comment on the situation in Mexico.

American intelligence information

"El Mencho," 59 years old, was the last major leader of the drug cartels after the founders of the "Sinaloa Cartel," Joaquín Guzman "El Chapo," and his partner, Ismael "Mayo" Zambada, were arrested and imprisoned in the United States.

Oseguera was one of the most wanted men from Mexico and the United States, which offered a financial reward of up to $15 million to anyone who provides information leading to his arrest.

The "Jalisco New Generation" cartel, which Oseguera founded in 2009, was designated by the United States as a terrorist organization in 2025, accusing it of trafficking in cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.

US President Trump has made combating drug trafficking a top priority, and has repeatedly urged the Mexican President to allow Washington to send forces to combat drug cartels active in Mexico.

Sheinbaum stressed on Monday that “American forces did not participate in the operation,” but they helped in “exchanging information.”

With the death of El Mencho, questions arise about his successor at the head of one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world.

Gerardo Rodriguez, a security expert at the University of the Americas in Puebla, said in response to a question from Agence France-Presse that Oseguera was managing all the cartel's affairs and that there were no obvious candidates to succeed him, which could lead to splits within the ranks of the cartel.

© 2026 AFP

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