politics
February 24, 2026
This is how El Mencho fell: US information, a woman's clue, and the final escape to the forest
According to Mexican Secretary of Defense General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, the operation against 'El Mencho' followed joint intelligence work with US agencies.
TL;DR
- US intelligence was crucial in locating 'El Mencho', leader of the CJNG.
- The operation was conducted by the Mexican army, National Guard, and special forces with air support.
- A confrontation occurred when 'El Mencho' and his group opened fire on security forces.
- 'El Mencho' and some associates fled into a wooded area but were cornered.
- During the final exchange of gunfire, 'El Mencho' was wounded and later died.
- Weapons, including Russian-designed RPGs, were seized during the operation.