By: The Trek News Desk
The White House has acknowledged that the United States shared intelligence with Mexican authorities during the operation that led to the death of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.” The mission was carried out in Tapalpa, located in Mexico’s Jalisco state, targeting the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on the social media platform X that U.S. intelligence assistance helped Mexican forces execute the operation. She described El Mencho as a “high-priority target” for both Washington and Mexico City.
According to Leavitt, the cartel leader was considered one of the key figures responsible for trafficking fentanyl into the United States. She also pointed out that last year, U.S. President Donald Trump formally designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, citing its involvement in smuggling cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl across U.S. borders.
U.S. officials further disclosed that, apart from El Mencho, three other cartel members were killed in the same operation, while three sustained injuries and two were taken into custody. The administration reiterated its commitment to intensifying efforts against narcotics trafficking and what it terms “narco-terrorism.”
Meanwhile, the Mexican government confirmed on February 22, 2026, that the 59-year-old cartel chief was wounded during a confrontation with security forces in Tapalpa. Authorities stated that he succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Mexico City.
El Mencho is regarded as one of the most significant Mexican drug figures to be neutralised in recent years. His downfall follows earlier high-profile arrests linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, including its co-founder Joaquin Guzman and senior leader Ismael Zambada, both of whom are currently serving prison sentences in the United States.
Security analysts believe the operation could trigger heightened tensions in parts of Mexico, given the CJNG’s reputation as one of the country’s most powerful and violent criminal organisations.
Source: News Agencies
