At least 73 people died in the attempt to capture a Mexican cartel leader and its violent aftermath

Source: AP

By MEGAN JANETSKY and MARÍA VERZA
Updated 1:16 PM CST, February 23, 2026
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GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — At least 73 people died in Mexico’s attempt to capture the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the violent aftermath of his death, authorities said Monday as much of the country feared another wave of violence.

The body count taken by security officials included security forces, suspected cartel members and others.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, called “El Mencho,” was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, known for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against government officials. The organization responded to his death with widespread violence, including blocking roads and setting fire to vehicles.

Oseguera Cervantes died after a shootout in his home state of Jalisco as the Mexican military tried to capture him. Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said Monday that authorities had followed one of Oseguera Cervantes’ romantic partners to his hideout in Tapalpa.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/mexico-jalisco-cartel-mencho-sheinbaum-trump-226e50edc33f981d5d6509acc7021ae5