On a chilly morning in February 2026, Mexican special forces launched a significant operation against one of the world's most dangerous drug lords, El Mencho, in the secluded hills of Jalisco. As the sun began to rise, helicopters disrupted the early morning calm, signaling the seriousness of their mission. El Mencho, known for his ruthless drug trafficking activities, poses significant risks not only due to his criminal empire but also because of the security issues surrounding his operation. The Mexican government had previously speculated on the number of bodyguards surrounding the criminal, raising concerns about the potential hazards involved in capturing him.

Reports from Mexican newspaper EL PAIS revealed that contrary to expectations, only 10 bodyguards protected El Mencho during the operation, drastically reducing the anticipated confrontation's scale. The special forces meticulously prepared both from the ground and air to ensure secrecy and surprise, deploying six helicopters in the vicinity for the operation. This marked a crucial moment for the Mexican government to combat narco-terrorism and restore order in areas plagued by drug-related violence.

The implications of capturing El Mencho extend beyond just one individual's arrest; it represents a strategic shift in the ongoing battle against drug cartels in Mexico. The success or failure of such encounters often determines the power dynamics between rival gangs and affects the broader security landscape of the country. The article illustrates the intense measures the government is willing to undertake to address crime, highlighting the continued struggle between state forces and organized crime in Mexico, a nation grappling with drug trade-related violence.