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US-Backed Operation Ends Reign of Cartel Boss ‘El Mencho’

  A forensic ambulance believed to be transporting the body of Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho,"leaves the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organised Crime (FEMDO), following a military operation in which a government source said he was killed, in Mexico City, Mexico, February 22, 2026.  Mexico has entered a turbulent new chapter after the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho , one of the country’s most feared cartel leaders. The Mexican military, supported by U.S. intelligence, carried out a high‑stakes raid in the western state of Jalisco that resulted in the fatal wounding of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) boss. He later died while being transported to Mexico City for treatment.  Authorities confirmed that the operation, conducted in Tapalpa, was part of an intensified bilateral effort to curb the production and trafficking of fentanyl and other narcotics into the United States. A specialized U.S.-led int...
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Oil Prices Surge Amidst Middle East Tensions and Unexpected U.S. Stock Data

 

Oil prices rallied today as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and surprising developments in U.S. fuel stocks captured investors’ attention. Here’s a brief overview of the factors driving the market:

1. Gaza Ceasefire Rejection: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of the latest Hamas ceasefire offer escalated tensions in the region. The counter offer from Hamas and the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip were met with defiance. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, however, indicated that there is still room for negotiation. Diplomatic efforts continue, with a Hamas delegation arriving in Cairo for ceasefire talks with mediators Egypt and Qatar. Meanwhile, Jordan’s King Abdullah is set to meet U.S. President Joe Biden, advocating for an end to the ongoing conflict.

2. Unexpected Drops in U.S. Fuel Stocks: The Energy Information Administration reported a stronger-than-expected drawdown in U.S. gasoline and middle-distillate stocks. Distillate stockpiles fell by 3.2 million barrels, while gasoline stocks declined by 3.15 million barrels. These declines, coupled with a rise in crude stocks, suggest U.S. refinery maintenance. Analysts had anticipated a more modest reduction in fuel inventories, making this data a surprise for the market.

3. Market Response: Brent crude futures breached the $80-per-barrel mark for the first time since February 1, rising 81 cents to $80.02. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures followed suit, climbing 72 cents to $74.58. The recent strength in oil prices can be attributed to the Israeli response to the Hamas counter offer, ensuring that hostilities in the Red Sea persist.

Wider Middle East tensions have kept the market on edge since October, with limited progress in resolving the Gaza conflict. As the Israeli military intensifies strikes in the southern border city of Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population seeks refuge, oil markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments.

In summary, the rejection of the Gaza ceasefire offer and unexpected drops in U.S. fuel stocks have combined to propel oil prices upward. Investors will closely monitor further developments in the Middle East and any shifts in global supply dynamics.


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