How Mexico killed the powerful cartel leader ‘El Mencho’ and what it means

(23 Feb 2026) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Juchitán, Mexico - 22 February 2026 1. Mexican troops on the road ASSOCIATED PRESS Juchitán, Mexico - 22 February 2026 2. STILL of solider on road (AP Photo/Armando Solis) ASSOCIATED PRESS Mexico City - 22 February 2026 3. STILL of National Guards patrol the area outside of the General Prosecutor's headquarters (AP Photo/Ginette Riquelme) ASSOCIATED PRESS Leon, Mexico - 22 February 2026 4. Security forces patrolling streets ASSOCIATED PRESS Guadalajara, Mexico - 22 February 2026 5. Pan from busses to damaged vehicle 6. Damaged vehicle ASSOCIATED PRESS Juchitán, Mexico - 22 February 2026 7. Mexican troops standing on the road 8. Burned vehicle ASSOCIATED PRESS Guadalajara, Mexico - 22 February 2026 9. Damaged vehicle ASSOCIATED PRESS Juchitán, Mexico - 22 February 2026 10. Mexican troops on the road ASSOCIATED PRESS Mexico City - 8 January 2016 11. STILL of handcuffed Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman is made to face the press as he is escorted to a helicopter by Mexican soldiers and marines (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File) ASSOCIATED PRESS Washington - 15 December 2025 12. STILL of President Donald Trump speaks during a Mexican Border Defense Medal presentation in the Oval Office (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) ASSOCIATED PRESS Juchitán, Mexico - 22 February 2026 13. Security personnel on road VOICEOVER: The Mexican army killed the most powerful cartel leader in the country and one of the United States’ most wanted fugitives on Sunday, notching a major victory. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” had ties to organized crime that went back at least three decades. He was killed during an attempt to capture him, as his followers attempted to fight off Mexican troops. Cartel gunmen responded with violence across the country, leaving burned-out cars blocking roads in nearly a dozen Mexican states. It was the highest-profile blow against cartels since the recapture of former Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán a decade ago. The Trump administration has been threatening tariffs or unilateral military action if Mexico does not show results in the fight against the cartels. STORYLINE: The Mexican army killed the most powerful cartel leader in the country and one of the United States’ most wanted fugitives on Sunday, notching a major victory. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” had ties to organized crime that went back at least three decades. He was killed during an attempt to capture him, as his followers attempted to fight off Mexican troops. It was the highest-profile blow against cartels since the recapture of former Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán a decade ago. Cartel gunmen responded with violence across the country, leaving burned-out cars blocking roads in nearly a dozen Mexican states as many residents of Jalisco's capital locked themselves in their homes. The Trump administration has been threatening tariffs or unilateral military action if Mexico does not show results in the fight against the cartels. AP Production by Elaine Carroll =========================================================== Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: [email protected]. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...