Mexican military storms El Mencho hideout in major operation
Updated
Updated · CNN · Apr 25
Mexican military storms El Mencho hideout in major operation
7 articles · Updated · CNN · Apr 25
Special forces tracked one of El Mencho’s lovers to a mountain cabin in Tapalpa, Jalisco, leading to the raid earlier this year. The operation triggered retaliatory violence nationwide, stranding several American tourists.
El Mencho, wanted by both Mexican and US authorities with a $15 million bounty, had evaded capture for years. Authorities have kept details about the woman who led them to him sparse, highlighting the significant roles women play in cartel operations.
The raid underscores the evolving influence of women in Latin American drug cartels, from logistics to leadership. Experts note that women increasingly occupy key positions, shaping cartel strategies and financial networks alongside or independent of male counterparts.
With El Mencho dead, will his wife 'La Jefa' now take command of the powerful CJNG cartel?
As more women lead cartels, will their 'invisibility' advantage against law enforcement disappear?
Is killing cartel kingpins like El Mencho a failed strategy that only creates more violence?
How will the U.S. respond if Mexico's new crackdown fails to stop the flow of fentanyl?
Are U.S.-sourced weapons the real reason Mexican cartels can outgun the state?
The Death of El Mencho: Tactical Victory Sparks Widespread CJNG Retaliation and Chaos in Mexico
Overview
Under intense pressure from the U.S. government, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum authorized a military operation that killed CJNG leader El Mencho and his second-in-command El Tuli on February 22, 2026. This decapitation triggered a violent nationwide retaliation by the cartel, causing widespread chaos, including shutdowns in Guadalajara, state emergencies, and U.S. Embassy alerts. Despite the tactical success, CJNG's decentralized franchise model, diversified criminal activities, and deep corruption enabled it to survive and adapt. The resulting leadership vacuum sparked internal power struggles, fueling predictions of prolonged violence. The Mexican government responded with large-scale security deployments and public safety measures, but experts warn that dismantling CJNG requires sustained, multifaceted efforts beyond targeting leaders.