News imageOutside Source, BBC OS, Violence in Mexico after top drug lord is killed

Outside Source

BBC OS

Violence in Mexico after top drug lord is killed

23 February 2026

50 minutes

Available for 29 days

Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has praised the armed forces for the operation that killed the country's most wanted man, El Mencho. The drug lord died on Sunday from injuries suffered during an attempt to capture him. His gang has unleashed a wave of violence in response. We get the latest from our regional analyst and bring together three Mexican journalists to share how insecurity affects the everyday lives of ordinary people.

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Presenter: Pria Rai.

(Photo: A Mexican soldier stands atop an armored vehicle patroling along the street, after authorities reinforced security following roadblocks and arson attacks carried out by organised crime in several states in Acapulco, Mexico, February 22, 2026. Credit: Henry Romero/Reuters)