Mexico – UAV activity following the death of CJNG leader, ‘El Mencho’

Violent clashes erupted in several states across Mexico on 22 February 2026. This follows news of a military operation in Jalisco State that led to the death of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as ‘El Mencho’. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt states that the U.S. had ‘provided intelligence’ for the operation.

The Jalisco cartel is renowned as one of the first cartels to utilise UAVs originally designed for agricultural purposes. Typically, this involves modified COTS quadcopters equipped with explosive payloads, including both IEDs and military-grade explosives.

EWS’ OverSite has recorded a number of events involving the use of UAVs by criminal groups across Mexico including UAV activity following the death of El Mencho.

Reports circulating online on 23 February 2026, stated that the CJNG had carried out drone strikes targeting Mexican Forces. This involved the use of suspected DJI type UAVs equipped with IEDs, resulting in injury to five officers in Cotija De La Paz in Michoacan State.

Source: Datos Interesantes (Facebook)

OverSite event ID: 18675.