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Who was Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes? Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader El Mencho killed during military operation

The announcement comes amid widespread violence in the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima, Guerrero, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.

Updated on: Feb 22, 2026 11:44 PM IST
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Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has been killed during a military operation, Mexican newspaper El Universal reported.

FILE - The letters "CJNG" for the group's formal name, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, covers the facade of an abandoned home in El Limoncito, in the Michoacan state of Mexico. (AP)
FILE - The letters "CJNG" for the group's formal name, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, covers the facade of an abandoned home in El Limoncito, in the Michoacan state of Mexico. (AP)

The announcement comes amid widespread violence across the country, including road blockades and vehicle burnings, primarily in the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima, Guerrero, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Zacatecas, and Tamaulipas.

The news followed a federal security operation in the city of Tapalpa, Jalisco, according to a post by Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro on X.

“Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa a few hours ago, which has led to confrontations in the area. Also as a result of this operation, in various points of that region and in other parts of Jalisco, individuals have burned and blocked vehicles to hinder the action of the authorities,” Navarro wrote.

“I have given the instruction to immediately set up the security committee with authorities from all three levels of government and to activate the red code in order to prevent acts against the population.”

Governor Alfredo Ramirez Bedolla of Michoacán reported that highways in his state were blocked as a result of the operation.

Also Read: Puerto Vallarta airport issues urgent alert amid reports of cartel violence and fires

Who was Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes?

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes was born on July 17, 1966, in Aguililla, Michoacán, Mexico. He was a Mexican national and one of the most wanted fugitives in the country. He founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in 2009, which grew into one of Mexico’s most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations.

Under his leadership, CJNG controlled large-scale trafficking of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States and was linked to numerous homicides, attacks on rival cartels, law enforcement officers, and assassination attempts on government officials.

He was indicted multiple times in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, most recently in 2022, on charges including drug trafficking, firearms violations, and operating a continuing criminal enterprise. In 2024, the US Department of State had offered up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.

  • Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

    Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More

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