25 Mexican National Guard Members Killed After Cartel Leader’s Death

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 10:18 AM

Twenty-five members of Mexico's National Guard were killed in violent attacks following the capture and death of the country's most-wanted drug cartel leader. The violence erupted in Jalisco state after authorities captured Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," who had a $15 million bounty on his head.

MEXICO CITY – Violence erupted across Mexico after the death of the nation’s most notorious drug cartel leader, resulting in the deaths of 25 National Guard members, according to Mexican officials.

Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch announced during a Monday press briefing that the fatalities occurred during attacks in Jalisco state following the capture of Nemesio Oseguera, known by his alias “El Mencho,” on Sunday. An additional state prosecutor’s office official was also killed in the violence, Harfuch confirmed.

Oseguera had been the country’s top fugitive cartel leader, with authorities offering a $15 million reward for information that would lead to his arrest. His death sparked retaliatory violence throughout Mexico as members of his criminal organization launched revenge attacks against government forces.

Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla revealed Monday that intelligence which led to Oseguera’s capture and subsequent death came from a romantic relationship the crime boss maintained.

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