Cartels outgun police: Rocket launchers seized in El Mencho raid spotlight CJNG firepower

Mexican forces killed cartel boss "El Mencho" and seized rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft, revealing CJNG's extensive military arsenal. Mexico Cartels outgun police: Rocket launchers seized in El Mencho raid spotlight CJNG firepower Ruben 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes led CJNG, which previously used rocket-propelled grenades to bring down Mexican military helicopter in 2015 By Greg Wehner Fox News Published February 22, 2026 9:00pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Shelter-in-place order issued for Americans in Mexico after cartel leader killed Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson reports on the aftermath of a military operation Sunday morning that killed major Mexican drug lord ‘El Mencho’ on ‘Fox Report.’ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Mexican forces seized rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft during the operation Sunday that killed cartel boss Ruben "Nemesio" Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," underscoring how the Mexican Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) amassed military-style firepower over the years. Authorities have previously linked CJNG to a 2015 attack in Jalisco in which cartel gunmen used rocket-propelled grenades to bring down a Mexican military helicopter – one of the starkest examples of a cartel directly engaging federal forces with battlefield-grade weapons.The assault marked a turning point in how Mexican authorities viewed the group’s capabilities. During Sunday’s raid, officials said security forces were attacked and returned fire, deploying aircraft and specialized units to carry out the operation. Authorities said troops seized armored vehicles and heavy weapons, equipment more commonly associated with armed conflict than routine law enforcement. TOURISTS IN MEXICAN SEASIDE CITY TOLD TO STAY ON RESORT AS GOVERNMENT WARNS OF ‘CLASHES’ Ruben "Nemesio" Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," was killed during a Mexican operation in Jalisco on Sunday. (Drug Enforcement Administration) Mexican Special Forces, with aircraft assistance from the Air Force and National Guard rapid-reaction units, participated in the mission, highlighting the scale of force required to confront senior cartel leadership.Former U.S. officials have described CJNG as operating more like a paramilitary organization than a traditional trafficking ring, using coordinated roadblocks, armed convoys and structured enforcement wings to assert control in contested regions. In prior reporting, former Drug Enforcement Administration officials said the group commanded large numbers of gunmen and organized itself in a way that allowed it to deploy force quickly and visibly.JUSTICE DEPARTMENT UNSEALS MULTI-STATE INDICTMENTS AGAINST TREN DE ARAGUA LEADERS FOR VIOLENT CRIMES CJNG is known for its paramilitary-style operations and structure. (Eduardo Verdugo, File/AP Photo) CJNG’s tactics have included seizing vehicles and staging coordinated attacks in urban areas to demonstrate strength and deter rivals or security forces. Over time, such displays reinforced its reputation as one of Mexico’s most heavily armed criminal organizations.ALLEGED SINALOA CARTEL FENTANYL PRODUCER CHARGED IN NEWLY UNSEALED FEDERAL INDICTMENT Smoke rises into the sky over Puerto Vallarta during an operation targeting cartel activity on Feb. 22, 2026. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)The State Department issued a travel alert Sunday urging Americans in multiple Mexican states to shelter in place due to "ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity," reflecting the instability that can follow major cartel confrontations. In recent years, Mexican authorities have increasingly relied on military forces – rather than local police – to confront senior cartel figures as groups like CJNG expanded their reach and arsenals.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPThe raid that killed "El Mencho" marked not only the removal of a powerful drug lord but also another example of how heavily armed cartels can challenge state forces in direct confrontations. Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter @GregWehner. Related Topics MexicoMexican Cartel ViolenceNarco-TerrorMILITARY Antisemitism Exposed Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world." Arrives Weekly By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!