Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel has issued aCJNGultimatum, threatening to storm homes and hotels in a revenge rampage if its demands are not met, following the death of leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known asEl Mencho. The 59-year-old drug lord died after a military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Sunday, sparking clashes that left four cartel members dead.
Violence has erupted across multiple states, with blockades and arson attacks disrupting daily life. As of 23 February 2026, security forces have cleared most roads, but tensions remain high.
Mexican special forces, backed by air support and the National Guard, launched the operation in Jalisco state, where El Mencho had long evaded capture. He was wounded in the firefight and succumbed en route to Mexico City, according to the defence ministry. Three soldiers were injured, and authorities seized rocket launchers, armoured vehicles, and other weapons.
US intelligence aided the raid, marking a rare win in the fight against organised crime. El Mencho, a former police officer turned cartel boss, built CJNG into a powerhouse since 2010, rivalling the Sinaloa group in scope and brutality. The cartel dominates fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetaminetrafficking to the US, generating billions annually. Its tactics include drone bombings and attacks on officials, such as downing a military helicopter.
Former US ambassador Christopher Landau called him 'one of the bloodiestand most ruthless drug kingpins,' hailing his demise as a boon for the region. The US hadoffered a rewardof £11.1 million ($15 million) for his capture.
In retaliation, CJNG members torched buses and businesses, erecting over 250 blockades in 20 states. Guadalajara turned into a ghost town, with public transport halted and schools closed. In Puerto Vallarta, gunmen roamed streets amid plumes of smoke from burning vehicles.
The cartel issued threats via social media, warning residents in Jalisco to stay indoors from 2:00pm or face attacks, regardless of innocence. One verifiedX posthighlighted a message vowing to target anyone outdoors, adding that El Mencho's legacy endures with 'all four letters' – a nod to CJNG.
😳 Now the cartel CJNG members are issuing threats to forcibly enter homes and hotels at 5:00 PM if their demands aren’t met.The cartel is playing zero games.https://t.co/6ILjQkGEn8pic.twitter.com/zVX7MJaKmt
Similar alerts circulated on Instagram, including a reel from@npmnewsdetailing the narcobloqueios, burned vehicles, and road closures gripping multiple states in the hours after the raid.
On Xreports also surfaced of plans toforcibly enter homes and hotelsby 5pm if unspecified demands, likely the surrender of those involved in the raid, go unmet.
Source: International Business Times UK
