A military raid in Jalisco state killed Nemesio Oseguera "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation gang, causing a wave of violence and the suspension of flights.

Published on: 02/23/2026 - 01:47 Last updated: 02/23/2026 - 07:56

Mexican authorities announced on Sunday the killing of Nemecio Oseguera "El Mencho," the leader of the "Jalisco New Generation" drug gang, in a military raid, at a time when the government is intensifying its campaign against the gangs under American pressure and threats of direct intervention.

According to the Mexican Ministry of Defense, an exchange of fire in the western state of Jalisco resulted in Oseguera being seriously injured, before he died while being transported by air to Mexico City, explaining that the American authorities provided “supplementary information” that assisted in the operation. The clashes were followed by a wave of violence. Gunmen set cars on fire and highways were blocked in more than six states.

Oseguera, a former policeman, is the mysterious leader of one of the most powerful gangs in Mexico, which bears the name of the state that includes the city of Guadalajara, the second largest city in the country. Within a few years, Jalisco New Generation expanded into a transcontinental organization, and entered into a confrontation with former allies of El Mencho in the Sinaloa Cartel, which was led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, who is imprisoned in the United States.

Read also: Mexico: Protests against drug gang violence

This military operation comes after increasing pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump on the government of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to tighten the war on drug trafficking. A government source told Reuters, "The Ministry of Defense led the arrest operation, and it ended with his death."

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described Oseguera's killing as a "major development" for both the United States and Mexico, as well as for other countries in Latin America. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemos Navarro called on residents to remain in their homes until the situation stabilizes, while the US embassy advised its citizens to do the same.

The security unrest affected air traffic, as Air Canada temporarily suspended its flights to Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and both United Airlines and American Airlines canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta and the city of Guadalajara.

France 24/Reuters

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