Mexico sends 10,000 soldiers to curb unrest following the death of drug kingpin El Mencho.

Mexico has sent 10,000 troops to contain violence that erupted after the death of the nation’s most-wanted drug trafficker, an outbreak that left dozens dead, officials said Monday (February 23, 2026).

Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was injured in a gun battle with soldiers on Sunday in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco State. He later died while being airlifted to Mexico City, according to the army.

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Cartel gunmen torch vehicles, block highways, and storm a prison after the death of their powerful leader.

Following confirmation of his death, cartel members unleashed waves of violence, blocking highways across 20 states and setting fire to vehicles and businesses.

Authorities said that at least 27 security personnel, 46 suspected criminals, and one civilian were killed during the operation against Oseguera and the clashes that followed.

In Jalisco, gunmen attacked a prison, allowing at least 23 inmates to escape amid heavy gunfire, the state security secretary reported.

Oseguera had a $15 million bounty offered by the United States for his capture.

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