Explosive violence grips Mexico after the elimination of drug overlord El Mencho in a US-supported intelligence operation. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed on X that American intel guided the deadly strike in Jalisco’s Tepaltepec against CJNG chief Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.
A leading fentanyl smuggler into the US, El Mencho evaded capture for years until President Trump’s terrorist label on his cartel paved the way. The raid’s results were decisive: El Mencho down, three cartel members killed, three hurt, two detained.
Commending Mexican troops, Leavitt spotlighted the joint endeavor’s success. CJNG’s response was ferocious, unleashing mayhem in Tamaulipas, Michoacan, and Nayarit via roadblocks, burnings, and firefights.
President Sheinbaum implored tranquility, vowing coordinated state responses. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau, with deep Mexico ties, labeled it a historic win against narco networks.
Fentanyl’s toll on American lives fueled this pursuit, blending diplomacy, intel, and force. Though triumphant, the void at CJNG’s helm threatens renewed turf wars. Bilateral anti-drug initiatives press on, aiming to dismantle remaining threats and secure borders.