EXPLAINED: How Mexico Tracked & Killed ‘El Mencho’: Inside the Operation That Shook the Cartel World

In this explainer, we break down how Mexican special forces tracked the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader with the help of a “trusted man” linked to one of his romantic partners, how US intelligence contributed to the operation, where the firefight unfolded near Tapalpa, and why authorities diverted his body after he died mid-flight.

We also examine the violent retaliation that followed, the killing of National Guard personnel, the broader geopolitical implications amid pressure from US President Donald Trump, and what this means for Mexico ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Guadalajara.