Report Details
Initial Publish Date
Last Updated: 24 FEB 2026
Report Focus Location: Americas
Authors: MF
Contributors: GSAT
GSAT Lead: MF
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Executive Summary
Mexico experienced the most consequential security event in the hemisphere this reporting period after the military killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes on February 22 triggered coordinated cartel reprisals across 20 of 32 states. At least 74 people were killed in the operation and subsequent retaliatory violence, including 25 National Guard members. Over 250 road blockades, hundreds of vehicle fires, looting of at least 69 businesses, and attacks on approximately 20 bank branches followed, forcing school closures in eight states and flight cancellations by multiple international carriers. The peso depreciated and airline stocks fell, though broader market impact remained contained. The operation, supported by U.S. intelligence, represents the most significant blow to Mexican cartels since the captures of "El Chapo" and "El Mayo."
This report is produced by the Global Security Analysis Team (GSAT), covering 25 countries across the Americas. It reflects intelligence collected through February 24, 2026, verified against primary sources and official government statements.
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Cuba faces an energy collapse after Venezuelan oil shipments ceased following the U.S.-backed removal of Nicolás Maduro. Aviation fuel reserves were fully depleted from February 10 through at least March 11, forcing mass tourist evacuations, hotel closures, and suspension of all Canadian airline service. The UN expressed being "extremely concerned" about deteriorating socioeconomic conditions, while Mexico dispatched 814 tons of emergency supplies. The tourism season is effectively over.
Latin America's rightward political shift continued to accelerate. Costa Rica elected right-wing candidate Laura Fernández on February 1 with 48% first-round victory, and Chile's incoming president José Antonio Kast visited El Salvador's CECOT prison as part of a regional trend toward Bukele-style security models. President Trump will host a March 7 summit in Miami with allied Latin American leaders from Argentina, El Salvador, Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Honduras to formalize security and anti-narcotics cooperation.
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GSAT (Geopolitical and Security Analysis Team) is Riley Sentinel's collective byline for team contributions or analysts requiring profile management due to sensitive work. All contributors are vetted by Riley Risk senior staff.
Dr. Marko Filijovic is a Special Advisor for Riley Risk with expertise in geopolitical risk, security intelligence, artic defense and threat analysis. He holds a PhD in Security Studies from the University Of Beograd.
