The Mexican Navy is stepping up security operations in Jalisco after El Mencho’s murder

The Mexican Navy and armed forces have stepped up security across Jalisco following the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in a move that sparked violent revenge and raised concerns about long-term instability.

In a press conference on Feb. 24, the Secretariat of the Navy of Mexico said that 103 Marines and intelligence vehicles arrived in Puerto Vallarta aboard the warship ARM “Usumacinta” (A-412) to strengthen surveillance and security operations after attacks targeting businesses and goods in several areas.

Naval authorities said additional personnel supported by boats, aircraft and ground vehicles were deployed to monitor sea, air and land forces to help restore order.

The naval reinforcements came as authorities sent about 2,000 soldiers to Jalisco following the death of the group’s leader, Reuters reported.

The operation against El Mencho, who has long been considered one of the most powerful drug traffickers in Mexico and the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, has led to reprisals by cartel members, including roadblocks, burning of vehicles and clashes in several states, AP reported.

Mexican officials have labeled the killing a major blow to organized crime. But analysts warn that removing the cartel leader does not necessarily mean lasting stability.

David Mora, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, said that “coalition authorities have announced that they are intensifying the deployment of troops to stop the group’s retreat, which may take a long time.”

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The State Department announced that El Mencho had died on Tuesday. (Department of State)

Mora added that “El Mencho has not left a clear heir, and the remaining leaders may contest control,” and warned that ongoing cartel battles with small groups, especially in Guanajuato and Michoacán, could escalate as rivals seek profits.

While the killing gave President Claudia Sheinbaum “a breakthrough with Washington,” Mora said, “it’s not clear that the killing will help the president’s ultimate goal of appeasing Mexico.”

Duncan Wood, who visited North America at the Wilson Center, described the project as a demonstration of the state’s authority but warned that the results may depend on the company’s design.

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Mexican marines guard the area where many hidden graves were found near the town of La Joya, in the ouskisrts region of Iguala, Mexico, Thursday Oct. 9, 2014. ((AP Photo/Felix Marquez))

“The removal of El Mencho represents a reasonable assertion by Mexican national authorities against one of the most violent criminal organizations in the country. The chaos that followed was real, but short-lived,” Wood said.

“In the medium term, the focus shifts to the strength of the CJNG’s decentralized cells and the ability of the Mexican government to support a comprehensive security strategy.”

In a statement sent on February 24 by X, the Mexican Embassy in the United States said that transportation corridors are being opened and public services are being restored, flight operations are returning to normal and the Puerto Vallarta International Airport has reopened to domestic traffic.

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Members of the National Guard stand guard outside the premises of the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Organized Crime (FEMDO) in Mexico City, Mexico on Feb. 22, 2026. The presence of security outside the facilities of FEMDO follows the previous operation of the day in which the cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho, the military authorities in the province of Japa, was killed in Tapal. (Daniel Cardenas/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The embassy said some local security measures are still in place and that authorities are working with international partners to ensure security at transit points and tourist areas.

Whether the army and navy crackdown will prevent a wider escalation remains uncertain as authorities watch for potential power struggles within the group and continued clashes with rival factions.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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