Operation against drug trafficking puts Mexico on high alert

The Mexican government is carrying out one of the largest security offensives in the country’s recent history. The intelligence operation that culminated in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, leader of the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG), triggered a wave of coordinated violence that affects at least 20 states in the country and puts internal stability at risk on the eve of the 2026 World Cup.

Intelligence and confrontation

The action was the result of work led by the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) and the Security Cabinet, with strategic support from United States intelligence agencies. The siege began to close on February 20, 2026, when monitoring by a collaborator, who was close to a companion of El Mencho, led authorities to a refuge in Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco.

Last Saturday (21), special forces made up of the Army, National Guard and Mexican Air Force (FAM) isolated the perimeter. The final confrontation took place on Sunday night (22). When trying to make the arrest, Mexican troops were met with heavy fire by cartel escorts. The immediate outcome of the shooting recorded the deaths of four criminals and serious injuries to El Mencho and two of his security guards. The CJNG leader succumbed to his injuries and died during the air rescue to a military hospital in Mexico City.

There, authorities seized a war arsenal: 20 long guns, three grenade launchers (RPGs), seven homemade armored vehicles (known as “narco-tanks”) and three tons of raw materials for drug production. On the official side, three soldiers were injured, with no fatalities recorded among federal forces during the initial incursion.

Cartel retaliation

The response from organized crime was immediate. Hours after confirming the chief’s death, the CJNG began a coordinated counteroffensive in several regions of the country. It is estimated that more than 60 people died as a result of the violence in the first few days alone.

In Jalisco, the cartel’s stronghold, an ambush resulted in the death of 25 National Guard agents. Simultaneously, the country was paralyzed by more than 229 roadblocks, where at least 80 vehicles, including buses and trucks, were set on fire to prevent the movement of government troops.

One of the most critical episodes occurred at Guadalajara International Airport. An armed invasion generated panic among passengers, who had to take cover behind counters while shots were exchanged in the lobby. The incident led to the immediate suspension of flights by airlines in the United States and Canada.

Sheinbaum reacts to instability risks

Authorities maintain “Code Red” in states such as Jalisco, Colima and Guanajuato. To date, 70 men suspected of being cartel mercenaries have been arrested in containment actions. The scenario remains high tension, with State institutions on high alert against new attacks by drug trafficking.

In an official statement made this Tuesday (24), President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated that operations follow intelligence protocols to minimize damage to the civilian population, while federal forces occupy critical points to unblock highways and guarantee the functioning of essential services.

“There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states and federal forces are acting with professionalism to restore order. We ask the population to stay informed through official channels and remain calm; activities in most of the national territory continue normally. We will not back down from our commitment to guarantee the sovereignty and tranquility of our families”, stated Sheinbaum.