MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Mexican army killed the country’s most powerful cartel leader and one of the United States’ most wanted fugitives on Sunday, notching a major victory while cartel members responded with a wave violence across the country.

The killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes during an attempt to capture him in Jalisco state was the highest-profile blow against cartels since the recapture of former Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán a decade ago.

Following Oseguera Cervantes’ death, gunmen unleashed violence across the country. Cars burned out by cartel members blocked roads in 20 Mexican states and left smoke billowing into the air. People locked themselves in their homes in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city and Jalisco’s capital, and school was canceled Monday in several states as security forces were placed on alert all over the country. Even Guatemala reinforced security on its border with Mexico.

The killing could give the government a leg up in its dealings with the U.S. Trump administration, which has been threatening tariffs or unilateral military action if Mexico does not show results in the fight against the cartels.

But the long-term effect on Mexico’s security landscape remains unclear.

Here’s what to know:

‘El Mencho’ was the leader of a fast-growing criminal group

Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” was 59 years old and originally from the western state of Michoacan. His ties to organized crime went back at least three decades.

In 1994, he was tried for trafficking heroin in the U.S. and sent to prison for three years. Upon returning to Mexico, he quickly rose through Mexico’s drug trafficking underworld.

Around 2009, he founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which became Mexico’s fastest-growing criminal organization, moving cocaine, methamphetamines, fentanyl and migrants to the United States, and innovating in violence with the use of drones and improvised explosive devices.

The cartel earned a reputation for brazen attacks on Mexican security forces, including downing a military helicopter in Jalisco in 2015 and attempting a spectacular, but unsuccessful, assassination of Mexico City Police Chief Omar García Harfuch, who is now Mexico’s federal security secretary.

It recruited aggressively, experimenting with new ways to reach potential members online, and generated revenue through fuel theft, extortion and timeshare fraud, among other activities.

Oseguera Cervantes died in a battle with troops sent to capture him

Oseguera Cervantes was killed during an attempt to capture him, as his followers attempted to fight off Mexican troops.

Mexico’s Defense Department said in a statement that the army launched an operation in the southern part of Jalisco state to capture Oseguera Cervantes, involving the Mexican Air Force and special forces.

The cartel counterattacked, and in the ensuing confrontation, federal forces killed four members of the criminal group, and wounded three others, including its leader, who died later during transfer by air to Mexico City, according to the statement.

Three soldiers were injured and two people were detained in the action. Rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles were seized at the scene.

Mexico is keen to show Trump results in the fight against cartels

Oseguera Cervantes’ will help Mexico’s government show results to the U.S., which is pressuring its neighbor to pursue drug cartels more aggressively. Both countries said intelligence collaboration helped lead to Sunday’s operation.

Oseguera Cervantes was facing multiple indictments in the United States and the U.S. State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest. The Trump administration designated his cartel and others foreign terrorist organizations a year ago.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who was U.S. ambassador to Mexico during the first Trump administration, applauded the operation via X, writing “The good guys are stronger than the bad guys. Congratulations to the forces of law and order in the great Mexican nation.”

Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the DEA, said Mexico had sent a “a strong message to Donald Trump’s administration that they are fighting aggressively and effectively” against the most powerful cartels. He added that “the majority of the information came from the Mexican armed forces and all credit goes to Mexico.”

Cartel leader’s death leaves a power vacuum

It’s not clear who will succeed Oseguera Cervantes, or if any one person can.

The Jalisco cartel has a presence in at least 21 of Mexico’s 32 states and is active in almost all of the United States, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. But it is also a global organization and the loss of its leader could be felt well beyond Mexico.

“El Mencho controlled everything, he was like a country’s dictator,” Vigil said.

His absence could slow the cartel’s rapid growth and expansion and leave it initially weakened against the Sinaloa cartel on several fronts where they or their proxies are fighting. The Sinaloa is locked in its own internal power struggle, however, between the sons of “El Chapo” and the faction loyal to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, who is in U.S. custody.

Vigil said Mexico should seize the moment to launch “an effective frontal assault based on intelligence.”

“This is a big opportunity for Mexico and the United States if they work together,” he said.

Security analyst David Saucedo said that if relatives of Oseguera Cervantes take control of the cartel, the violence seen Sunday could continue. If others take power, they could be more willing to turn the page and continue operations.

The greatest fear would be that the cartel turns to indiscriminate violence. They could decide to “launch narcoterrorism attacks … and generate a scenario similar to what Colombia lived in the 1990s,” a full on attack against the government “car bombs, assassinations and attacks on aircraft.”

At least 19 people have been killed, including a British national, after a packed bus drove off a mountain road in Nepal.

Some 25 people were also injured when the vehicle, travelling from Pokhara to Kathmandu, came off the Prithvi highway at around midnight on Monday (6.15pm on Sunday in the UK), police said.

Nepalese officials said the bus rolled down a mountain slope and landed on the banks of the Trishuli River, near Benighat, about 50 miles from the capital.

So far, only nine bodies of the victims have been identified.

But one of them was a 24-year-old from the UK, according to the Dhading district police office.

A Chinese national and a 27-year-old woman from New Zealand were among the injured.

Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

Government official Mohan Prasad Neupane said that rescuers reached the site soon after it happened.

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Bus crashes in Nepal are common, mostly due to the country’s poorly maintained roads and vehicles.

Much of the Himalayan countryside is covered by mountains and connected only by narrow roads.

In July 2024, two buses with 65 people on board fell into the same river and were lost.

Many of the passengers died.

Kenyan smallholders are celebrating healthier soils and soaring harvests following a regenerative agriculture drive led by Farm Africa.

The charity’s STRAK project – Strengthening Regenerative Agriculture in Kenya – aims to boost rural livelihoods and improve climate resilience, and has supported 60,000 farmers since 2017.

The initiative upskills local farmers in regenerative techniques. They are then tasked with sharing their newfound knowledge within their communities.

More than 70% of participating farmers in Kenya’s Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties have adopted methods such as intercropping, agro-forestry, crop rotation and use of farmyard manure. They’re reporting up to 81% higher yields and 92% improvement in water retention. Meanwhile crop failure, soil erosion and dependence on chemicals have sharply reduced.

Outcomes have been validated by the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry, which analysed samples from 2,000 project sites and reported massive improvements in soil health and microbial diversity.

“These results clearly demonstrate that regenerative agriculture is not just an environmental intervention, it is an economic one,” said Farm Africa’s country director, Mary Nyale.

“By equipping smallholder farmers with the tools, knowledge and market linkages to farm regeneratively, we are seeing sustainable improvements in yields, soil fertility and incomes. This evidence shows that regenerative agriculture can work at scale and deliver measurable impact for both people and the planet.”

Main image: Godfrey Kirimi displays tomotoes from his farm in Tharaka Nithi. Photography by Bertha Lutome 

Over 50 walkers went along on the latest outing.

East Kilbride Hiking Club headed east to explore the gentle hills and glens of the Pentlands, south of Edinburgh on their recent outing.

After a brief comfort stop at the Abington services on the M74 the coach travelled via Biggar to drop off 27 high level hikers at Carlops to start their 13km trail taking in five summits, the highest being 573m Scaid Law.

Meanwhile, 26 low level hikers started their hike a couple of kilometres farther along the A702 at Nine Mile Burn and passed alongside Loganlee and Glencorse reservoirs, on their 14km undulating walk, meeting up with the others at the Flotterstone Inn, Penicuik for a social hour.

The weather could have been better but the members are used to the occasional ‘dreich’ day so were totally unfazed by a bit of rain and mist.

The club website normally shows you where the next walk will be but not this time – the next outing is a mystery walk with a meal to finish and is fully booked already.

Check the website to see where the next available hike is headed, at www.ekhikingclub.co.uk

The club secretary May is looking forward to providing you with all the information you need to join this friendly group on the hills. Just phone or message her on 07981 307803.

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Firefighters were called to the scene at the Angelzarke Reservoir between Horwich and Chorley just before 9pm on Sunday February 22.

They say that a rope rescue unit was used as part of the operation.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At 20:57 on Sunday February 22 2026, two fire engines from Chorley and Horwich, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, fire stations, along with the Rope Rescue Unit from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, attended a road traffic collision on Knowsley Lane in Heath Charnock, Chorley.

“Firefighters assisted in extricating one casualty from a vehicle and worked to make the scene safe.

“Crews were on scene for 55 minutes.”

A member of the public reported seeing the incident at the reservoir off Knowsley Lane on Sunday evening.

He said that it looked like a VW Golf had gone off the bridge.

Images and videos from the scene appear to show emergency services going about their work and helping to get someone to safety.

Members of the public have been encouraged to always call 999 in the event of an emergency as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Foreign Office has issued a warning to British tourists

The Foreign Office has urged British nationals in a popular tourist destination to stay indoors and avoid all non-essential travel. The warning for Brits in Mexico follows a wave of violence sparked by the death of a drug cartel kingpin. Around 450,000 Brits travelled to the nation in 2025, according to Mexican tourism data – making the UK the third highest source of international tourism by air.

Mexico’s army announced on Sunday that it had eliminated cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed ‘El Mencho’, during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco. His killing unleashed widespread disorder, with hours of roadblocks and vehicles set alight throughout the state, including in the popular tourist destinations of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

In revised travel guidance published on Monday, the UK Foreign Office cautioned: “Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.

“Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked. You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.”

The United States Embassy in Mexico issued a similar warning, calling on Americans to “shelter in place”. British travellers were additionally advised to keep a close eye on local news outlets and adhere to official guidance, reports Bristol Live.

“If you do decide to travel, we recommend intercity road travel during daylight hours,” the official advice stated. “Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico. As the situation develops, wherever you are in Mexico, you should stay alert and follow local security advice.”

Puerto Vallarta International Airport confirmed the cancellation of “all international operations and most of the domestic flights” on Sunday local time.

The ‘taking for granted’ aspect of Carrick’s answer was telling.

The former United and England midfielder knows the sacrifices needed to excel at the highest level. He also knows the demands placed on players’ bodies.

Mental strength is also key.

Beyond his ability, it is the kind of attitude that meant Maguire put himself forward to be involved at Burnley, which makes him so valuable to United.

It is why, as they approach a summer when Casemiro’s vast experience is going to be lost, it should be welcomed that multiple sources with an understanding of Maguire’s contractual situation believe a resolution will be found that will allow him to remain at United at least for next season.

Nothing is agreed yet. Until it is, there remains the potential for Maguire to either strike a deal with another club – which, under freedom of contract regulations, he is entitled to do – or United back away.

But the mood music is upbeat.

Compromise is likely to be needed, on both salary – Maguire is one of United’s highest-paid players and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to drive costs down – and maybe contract length.

But through Burnley, Brighton, City and beyond, Maguire played for every single minute of the four-match winning streak Carrick started his spell in charge with.

The England defender has shown just how valuable he is at a time when Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined for an indefinite period with a back injury, with no immediate sign of return.

Maguire does not only have experience and calmness. His communication is also crucial. He is demanding of those around him and is not scared to let team-mates know when they have fallen below the standards he expects.

His central-defensive partnership with Lisandro Martinez has a familiarity about it too, which is a bit surprising given the pair have only started 16 times together in a two-man central defence since the Argentina international joined from Ajax in 2022.

The reasons for that are numerous. Amorim’s formation for a start. Before that, Erik ten Hag clearly did not feel Maguire was the kind of player he wanted, and Martinez has suffered some pretty hefty injuries.

There is also the knowledge their first two games together were the defeats by Brighton and Brentford that started Ten Hag’s reign.

They have won 11 of the following 14 games they have started, though, which suggests keeping them both fit could be the key to United’s Champions League qualification quest.

Transport chiefs are exploring the possibility of introducing new parking fees at a series of Metro stations in both North and South Tyneside.

The seven stations understood to be proposed for possible new parking charges are Cullercoats, Monkseaton, Shiremoor, Whitley Bay, East Boldon, Fellgate, and Hebburn.

Concerns have already been aired about drivers deciding to park on neighbouring residential streets instead, after the prospect of a daily charge of up to £1.80 at Hebburn, Fellgate and East Boldon stations emerged at community forum meetings last month.

While it had been suggested that the fees could be introduced on April 1, when new Metro ticket prices come into force, operator Nexus has confirmed that will not be the case.

The possibility remains under review, however, as Nexus seeks ways to boost its income and close a budget gap that currently leaves it needing to spend around £18 million of its cash reserves by 2029 to balance the books.

Nexus commercial director Helen Mathews said: “We are currently in the process of reviewing the car parking provision on the Tyne and Wear Metro. No final decision has been made yet on what changes we might make and we will be liaising with our local authority partners on this. Further information will be provided in due course.”

A petition with nearly 700 names opposed to the East Boldon plans was presented this week to Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon, who holds the transport portfolio in the North East Combined Authority, by the prospective Labour election candidates for Cleadon and East Boldon – John Temple and Tina Roche.

Dr Temple said: “Residents in East Boldon already suffer from inconsiderate parking by drivers who use the Metro station and park in the nearby streets. The introduction of parking charges will only make matters worse.” 

Ms Roche added: “When people are struggling with the cost of living, adding another £400 a year to someone’s expenses is outrageous. Furthermore, the imposition of charges for parking at Metro stations will only serve to discourage the use of public transport.”

Under the new Metro fares package agreed by council leaders this month, the daily cost of leaving your vehicle at the park and ride sites at Callerton Parkway, Bank Foot, Regent Centre, Four Lane Ends, Northumberland Park and Stadium of Light stations will rise from £1.50 to £1.80 per day from April 1.

But no new charges at stations where parking is currently free were part of the budget plans signed off by the North East Combined Authority.

BANGKOK (AP) — The Supreme Court’s ruling against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs has countries like China and South Korea watching for Washington’s next steps, while financial markets took the news in stride.

The decision announced Friday could potentially disrupt arrangements worked out in trade negotiations since Trump announced sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries in April 2025.

China’s Commerce Ministry said it was conducting a “comprehensive assessment of ” the ruling against the tariffs Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA.

“China urges the United States to lift the unilateral tariffs imposed on trading partners,” an unnamed ministry spokesman said in a statement.

The statement reiterated Beijing’s stance that there are no winners in a trade war and that the measures Trump had announced “not only violate international economic and trade rules but also contravene domestic laws of the United States, and are not in the interests of any party,” the official Xinhua News Agency cited the spokesperson as saying.

Trump responded to the Supreme Court decision by proposing a new 10% global tariff under an alternative law, Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, and later increased it to 15%.

For China and some other countries in Asia that were subject to higher import duties on their exports, that could potentially bring some relief. But for others such as Japan, the United Kingdom and other U.S. allies, tariffs could rise.

The U.S. plans to stand by its trade deals and expects its partners to do the same, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a CBS News interview Sunday.

“The deals were not premised on whether or not the emergency tariff litigation would rise or fall,” said Greer, Trump’s top trade negotiator. “I haven’t heard anyone yet come to me and say the deal’s off. They want to see how this plays out.”

Uncertainty may worsen if the Trump administration continues imposing new tariffs under alternative laws, South Korea’s trade minister, Kim Jung-kwan, said Monday.

The South Koreans have agreed to hold “amicable” discussions with U.S. officials in order to minimize any negative impact on South Korean companies, he said. Major South Korean exports such as autos and steel are subject to tariffs under other trade laws.

“Given the uncertainty over future U.S. tariff measures, the public and private sectors must work together to strengthen our companies’ export competitiveness and diversify their markets,” Kim said.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also said Sunday that he believed trading partners would abide by existing deals and that tariff revenues will remain steady.

“Tariff revenues will be unchanged this year and will be unchanged in the future,” Bessent said in a Fox News interview, pointing to the new 15% global tariffs Trump has said he wants as a replacement.

The administration would defer to the courts on whether to give companies refunds for the import taxes already collected under the tariffs now declared unlawful, Bessent said.

“It’s out of our hands and we will follow the court’s orders,” he said.

U.S. futures sank early Monday, with the contract for the S&P 500 down 0.6% and that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 0.5%. Oil prices fell and the U.S. dollar weakened against the Japanese yen and the euro.

But share prices in Asia mostly advanced, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gaining 2.4%.

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Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed.