On February 22, Mexican drug lord Nemesio Osegera Servantes, known as El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed in a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state. The operation resulted in 62 deaths.

El Mencho, 59, was born into poverty, engaged in drug trafficking in the U.S. where he served prison time, and later founded CJNG after returning to Mexico. The cartel has 15,000-20,000 members and is involved in drug trafficking, kidnappings, and illegal mining.

His death triggered widespread violence across Mexico, with CJNG members attacking stores and banks, blocking roads, and clashing with police. Cities like Guadalajara, Cancún, and Puerto Vallarta faced disruptions.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had offered a $15 million reward for El Mencho's capture. The incident raises security concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Source: www.gazeta.uz