The White House has officially stated that the United States provided intelligence assistance to Mexico, facilitating a military operation that resulted in the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as “El Mencho.” This operation took place in Tapalpa, a town in the western state of Jalisco. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed this information in a post on X.

Leavitt indicated that the United States aided Mexican authorities in the operation targeting El Mencho, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). She characterized El Mencho as a significant target for both the U.S. and Mexican governments, linking him to a major trafficking network for fentanyl entering the United States. Last year, the CJNG was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by then-President Trump, highlighting the group’s impact and activities.

During the operation, three additional CJNG members were killed, three were wounded, and two were apprehended. The U.S. administration reinforced its commitment to combating drug trafficking, emphasizing the importance of holding narcoterrorists accountable for their actions. Leavitt mentioned that the U.S. would continue to pursue anyone involved in the distribution of illicit drugs impacting American communities.

Details of the Military Operation

The operation that led to El Mencho’s demise was conducted by Mexican security forces from various federal branches. Initial reports state that sporadic gunfire erupted as cartel members engaged with government forces in the area. The Secretary of National Defence in Mexico confirmed that four members of the CJNG were killed during the confrontation.

Following the clash, Oseguera and two accomplices suffered critical injuries and subsequently died while being transported to Mexico City by air. Additionally, three personnel from the Mexican military sustained injuries during the operation and required hospitalization.

This military action has reportedly incited a wave of violence throughout Jalisco and neighboring states such as Michoacán and Guanajuato. Protests, roadblocks, and arson targeting public transit have been noted in various areas, prompting Jalisco’s Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro to advise residents to stay indoors. Public transportation services in Jalisco have also been temporarily halted until stability is restored.

El Mencho’s Background and Heightened Security Concerns

Oseguera was one of the most wanted drug lords by U.S. authorities, who had offered a reward of up to 15 million dollars for information leading to his capture. The U.S. Justice Department charged him in 2022 with orchestrating the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl intended for distribution in the United States.

According to an indictment released by the Justice Department, Oseguera’s cartel is known to operate across multiple states in Mexico, including Jalisco, Colima, and Veracruz. The CJNG is identified as one of the most formidable and ruthless criminal organizations in Mexico, according to assessments by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. The fallout from this recent military operation underscores the continued challenges authorities face in managing organized crime and maintaining public safety in the region.

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