MEXICO CITY, Feb. 23 (GeokHub) — At least 26 security personnel were killed in retaliatory cartel attacks following the capture and death of Mexico’s most-wanted drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho,” authorities confirmed Monday.
Mexico’s Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said that 25 members of the National Guard and one private security guard lost their lives after the high-profile military operation targeting the cartel boss.
Oseguera led the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and had long been a top priority for both Mexican and U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Operation in Jalisco
According to Mexico’s Defense Ministry, Oseguera died in custody after being injured during a special forces operation in the town of Tapalpa, located in Jalisco state.
Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla revealed that intelligence leading to the raid stemmed from information provided by a romantic partner of the cartel leader. The United States had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
The killing marks one of the most significant blows to organized crime in Mexico in recent years.
Retaliatory Violence Across States
Authorities reported that Oseguera’s death triggered coordinated attacks in multiple regions. Harfuch described “27 cowardly attacks against authorities in Jalisco,” including road blockades, arson involving vehicles, and direct confrontations with security forces.
Officials said 30 suspected cartel operatives were killed during the clashes, along with one bystander. At least 70 individuals were arrested across seven states as security forces moved to contain the violence.
“We are closely monitoring for any kind of reaction or restructuring within the cartel that could lead to violence,” Harfuch said during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily press conference.
Security analysts warn that the dismantling of a cartel’s leadership can sometimes trigger internal power struggles, potentially prolonging instability in affected regions.
U.S. Reaction
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump called for stronger anti-cartel efforts from Mexico.
“Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!” Trump wrote in a social media post Monday.
The United States has increasingly emphasized cross-border cooperation in combating drug trafficking, particularly the flow of fentanyl, which remains a major public health concern.
