US Provides Intelligence Support to Mexico in Operation That Kills El Mencho

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. (Wikimedia Commons/BruceSchaff)

JAKARTA - The White House on Sunday confirmed that the United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in a major operation that resulted in the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes alias El Mencho.

"The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government to help operations in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, where Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, a notorious drug lord and leader in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, has been eliminated," said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt on social media X, as reported by Anadolu (23/2).

Leavitt further said 'El Mencho' is a "top target" for Mexico and the US as one of the largest fentanyl smugglers to the United States.

He noted that US President Donald Trump designated the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization last year.

"In this operation, three other members of the cartel were killed, three were injured, and two were arrested," he said.

He also praised the Mexican military for its cooperation and the successful implementation of the operation.

Previously, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who previously served as the US Ambassador to Mexico, welcomed the operation, saying it was a "major development" for Mexico, the US, and all of Latin America.

The killing triggered an immediate and widespread violent response, with roadblocks, vehicle burnings, and armed clashes reported in several states where the CJNG operates, including Tamaulipas, Michoacan, and Nayarit.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm after the operation, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions.

"There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm," said President Sheinbaum.