El Mencho, the head of the powerful criminal organization CJNG, was killed in a military operation in Mexico.
The US Deputy Secretary of State has said that El Mencho’s death is a major development that is important for Mexico, the United States, Latin America, and the world.
According to officials, El Mencho was seriously injured during a shootout in the western state of Jalisco and died while being transported to Mexico City.
The Ministry of Defense says that US officials provided information in the operation, which was carried out at a time when the US administration was increasing pressure on Mexico to intensify its crackdown on drug trafficking.
Violence erupts in Mexico after killing of drug cartel kingpin ‘El Mencho’ https://t.co/qYu4ViXmMY via @YouTube
— SFMF (@USMC_First_In) February 23, 2026
On the other hand, after El Mencho’s death in the operation, violent incidents broke out in different parts of the country, with reports of burning cars and armed men blocking highways.
The governor of the state of Jalisco appealed to citizens to stay at home, while the US embassy has also issued instructions to its citizens to stay in safe places.
