Twenty-five members of the Mexican National Guard were left dead in six separate attacks after special forces killed the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the country’s security secretary said Monday as much of Mexico feared more violence.

 

Twenty-five members of the Mexican National Guard were left dead in six separate attacks after special forces killed the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the country’s security secretary said Monday as much of Mexico feared more violence. pic.twitter.com/NrjqgtBlbj

— The Associated Press (@AP) February 24, 2026

The tweet from @AP

 (Associated Press) reports on major violence in Mexico following the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as "El Mencho", the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).Key details from the post and related AP coverage:Mexican special forces killed El Mencho during an operation to capture him in Jalisco state (Sunday, around February 22-23, 2026).

This is described as decapitating Mexico's most powerful cartel and a major win for the government (with U.S. intelligence reportedly aiding the effort).

In retaliation, the cartel carried out six separate attacks in Jalisco, killing 25 members of the Mexican National Guard.

The attached video (from AP) shows the chaotic aftermath in areas like Guadalajara: burned vehicles, military convoys, road blockades, arson, and reporter stand-ups describing the scene of destruction and ongoing security operations.

Broader context from reports:El Mencho (aged ~59) had long been one of the world's most-wanted drug lords, linked to massive fentanyl, meth, cocaine trafficking, and extreme violence (drones, explosives, attacks on officials).

His death triggered widespread retaliatory violence across multiple states (roadblocks, burned cars/buildings, clashes), with total deaths in the operation and aftermath exceeding 70 (including cartel gunmen and bystanders).

The Mexican government deployed thousands of additional troops to restore order, but experts warn of potential power struggles within the cartel and prolonged instability.

The video footage captures burned-out vehicles, soldiers on patrol, smoke from fires, and the tense atmosphere in affected areas — illustrating the scale of the cartel’s response.This marks one of the most significant blows against Mexican cartels in recent years, comparable to the recapture of "El Chapo" a decade earlier, though it has immediately unleashed serious security challenges.