Jalisco Operation (2026)

Operation Jalisco is a military operation launched on 22 February 2026 in the town of Tapalpa, in the Mexican state of Jalisco, aimed at capturing Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), known as “El Mencho”. During the operation, an armed clash occurred between security forces and cartel members, resulting in Oseguera Cervantes sustaining serious injuries. He died while being transported to Mexico City.

The operation was conducted by Mexico’s National Defense Ministry and involved elements of the Mexican Army and the Mexican Air Force.

Targeted Structure and Leader

Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is a Mexico-based organized crime group and one of the country’s most powerful drug cartels. The cartel is particularly linked to the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States.

The U.S. Department of Justice has stated that CJNG is one of the largest and most violent drug trafficking organizations exporting tons of cocaine, methamphetamine and illegal opioids into the United States. U.S. authorities classify the cartel as a terrorist organization and offer a reward for its leader’s capture.

Since 2009, the cartel has carried out attacks against Mexican security forces, including shooting down a military helicopter in Jalisco in 2015 and attempting an unsuccessful assassination against Mexico City’s Public Security Director Omar García Harfuch. It is known to use unmanned aerial vehicles and improvised explosive devices.

In addition to drug trafficking, the cartel’s activities include fuel theft, extortion and real estate fraud.

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes (“El Mencho”)

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known by the alias “El Mencho”, is the leader of the CJNG. He was born in the state of Michoacán in western Mexico. In 1994 he was tried in the United States on charges of heroin trafficking and sentenced to three years in prison.

After returning to Mexico, he rose through the ranks of drug trafficking and founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in 2009. The U.S. Department of State has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture or conviction, as of 4 December 2024.

U.S. authorities have filed multiple indictments against him since 2017. In April 2022, he was charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise and using firearms in connection with drug trafficking. He was the direct target of the military operation conducted on 22 February 2026 by Mexico’s Defense Ministry.

Planning of the Operation and Participating Institutions

The operation was conducted by the Mexican National Defense Ministry (Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional). It involved elements of the Mexican Army, the Mexican Air Force and special forces units.

According to the Defense Ministry, the objective of the operation was to capture Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes alive. Federal security forces were deployed and the country was placed on alert during the operation.

Intelligence provided by U.S. authorities supported Mexican officials in carrying out the operation. The Mexican Defense Ministry confirmed that information sharing occurred between Mexico and the United States under a bilateral coordination framework. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the U.S. government provided intelligence support for the operation.

Course of the Operation

On 22 February 2026, in the town of Tapalpa in southern Jalisco, the operation to capture Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes began. During the operation, military units came under fire and an armed clash erupted between security forces and cartel members.

At the scene, four cartel members were killed and three others were injured, including Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes. Two individuals were detained. Security forces seized armored vehicles, heavy weapons and rocket launchers. Three military personnel were injured and received medical treatment.

Death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes sustained serious injuries during the operation. He was subsequently airlifted to Mexico City. According to the Defense Ministry, he died during transport. Following the incident, Mexican authorities conducted identity verification and forensic procedures.

Violence Following the Operation

Following the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, cartel members carried out numerous road blockades and arson attacks. According to authorities, over 250 road blockades occurred in 20 Mexican states.

The violence primarily affected Jalisco, as well as Michoacán, Guanajuato and other states. Gunfire was heard in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, where vehicles and businesses were set on fire.

In Zapopan, road blockades were also carried out, and security incidents occurred in Puerto Vallarta. Burned vehicles were reported in some areas of Guadalajara.

At least 14 people were killed in Jalisco, Michoacán and Guanajuato. Among the dead were seven National Guard personnel.

Impact on Civil Life and Transportation Systems

Following the operation, civilians in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, remained indoors and nighttime activity declined. Some states suspended school operations for one day. Taxis and certain businesses in Puerto Vallarta halted operations.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, in a social media statement, urged the public to “remain calm”. She also stated that daily activities continued across most of the country.

U.S. and International Warnings

The U.S. Embassy issued a “stay where you are” advisory for U.S. citizens in certain areas of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León.

The U.S. Embassy also noted that road blockades disrupted air operations, resulting in the cancellation of several domestic and international flights from Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Cancellations in Aviation and Transportation

Due to the security situation in Puerto Vallarta, Air Canada suspended its flights. Delta, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines also reported cancellations and delays. Road blockades disrupted land transportation, causing traffic interruptions in several states.

Violence Incidents and State Intervention on 23 February 2026i

Security Reinforcement Following Military Operation

In Mexico, following the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho), federal security measures have been expanded in response to a surge in violence across the country. Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla announced that 2,500 additional security personnel have been deployed to reinforce existing units in Jalisco. With this reinforcement, the number of military personnel stationed in Jalisco has increased from 7,000 to 9,500.

Casualties and Scale of Clashes

Mexico’s Minister of Security and Citizen Protection Omar Garcia Harfuch confirmed that violence erupted in 16 states following El Mencho’s death. Harfuch emphasized that 25 security personnel were killed in CJNG attacks and that 30 cartel members were neutralized during operations.

Road Blockades and Arson Attacks

In the aftermath of El Mencho’s killing, cartel elements carried out widespread actions across the country. Harfuch stated, "85 road blockades were carried out in 11 states, but thanks to the efforts of security forces, traffic on major arteries has fully returned to normal."

In another statement, it was reported that 85 barricades were erected along federal highways stretching from Baja California to Oaxaca. Numerous vehicles were set on fire by cartel members, and banks and local businesses were burned.

Situation in Puerto Vallarta and Tourist Centers

In a social media post by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, it was noted that flights in Puerto Vallarta were delayed due to crew availability issues, while airports outside Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta continued to operate largely normally. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that flights are expected to resume shortly.

Approximately 1,000 tourists visiting the zoo in Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup, became stranded as they were unable to return home. Authorities deployed 21 buses and 5 minibuses to evacuate the tourists and provided food assistance. In Puerto Vallarta, public events including a concert by American singer Kali Uchis have been suspended.

Government Statements and International Coordination

President Claudia Sheinbaum, during a press conference on 23 February, stated, "What matters now is guaranteeing peace and security for the entire population and all of Mexico." Sheinbaum also declared, "There is calm, there is government, there are armed forces, and there is intense coordination."

Mexico’s Minister of Security and Citizen Protection Omar Garcia Harfuch stated on the social media platform X, operated by the U.S.-based company, that he met with FBI Director Kash Patel in the capital Mexico City.

During the meeting, Harfuch emphasized that coordinated operations were underway to apprehend those responsible for the violence affecting both countries, adding, "It was agreed that coordinated efforts in the mutual interest of both nations will continue with full respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Harfuch noted that the meetings were conducted with mutual respect, stating, "Cooperation will continue and information sharing will be strengthened to enhance the security of both nations. FBI Director Patel departed today for the United States accompanied by two priority targets: a foreign national apprehended by Mexican authorities and a Canadian citizen who voluntarily surrendered at the U.S. Embassy yesterday."

Events and Statements as of 24 February 2026

Course of Violence and Loss of Life

On 24 February, violence instigated by cartel members continued across multiple states, with Jalisco being the most affected. The number of those killed in clashes that began on 22 February has risen to 73, including 25 security personnel.

Videos circulating on social media showed ongoing road blockades, vehicle arson, and attacks against security forces in several states. The Mexican government has reportedly deployed 10,000 soldiers to the states where violence has intensified.

Statements by Security Authorities

Mexican Minister of Security and Citizen Protection Omar García Harfuch, in a statement on 24 February, confirmed that security measures had been strengthened and called on the public to remain calm. Harfuch stated that the majority of roads had been reopened to traffic, security forces had regained control, and life across the country was beginning to return to normal.

Statements by President Claudia Sheinbaum

President Claudia Sheinbaum, during her daily press briefing at the National Palace, stated that security forces were working to restore normalcy. Regarding the security of Guadalajara, which will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sheinbaum said: “All guarantees are in place, there is no risk whatsoever.”

Sheinbaum emphasized that there was no security risk anywhere in the country and added: “As is known, El Mencho is a key figure, which is why this situation occurred on Sunday; yesterday the incidents were significantly fewer. Today we expect all activities to have fully returned to normal.”

Dispute and Legal Proceedings with Elon Musk

Elon Musk, commenting on a 2025 video posted on the social media platform X, owned by the US-based company, in which Sheinbaum criticized US operations targeting boats suspected of drug trafficking, stated: “She (Sheinbaum) is only saying what the cartel bosses told her to say.”

At the morning press briefing on 24 February 2026, Sheinbaum responded to Musk’s remarks by saying: “We are evaluating whether to initiate any legal proceedings. Our lawyers are reviewing it.”

Sheinbaum added: “The claim that a government is controlled by drug traffickers was absurd before, and now it is even more absurd. It is collapsing under its own weight. They no longer even know what fabrications to come up with.”

As of 24 February 2026, it was reported that the widespread violence that erupted following the killing of El Mencho had diminished in intensity, although isolated incidents continued in certain areas, and federal security forces were maintaining measures to ensure nationwide control.