US Intelligence Helped Mexico Kill El Mencho in Tapalpa Operation

The US provided intelligence that helped Mexico kill El Mencho, a major drug cartel leader. This is a big step in fighting drug trafficking.
By Newsroom | Crime, International Relations |

Recent events indicate a coordinated effort between the United States and Mexico, culminating in the successful operation that led to the demise of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho. The U.S. government has confirmed its involvement, stating that intelligence support was provided to Mexican authorities for the operation conducted in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico. This action marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat powerful drug cartels operating across the U.S.-Mexico border.

Background of the Operation

The killing of El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a major force in drug trafficking, occurred on a Sunday. Reports from U.S. media, citing anonymous defense officials, initially suggested a joint task force's involvement. Later, the White House confirmed that the U.S. had supported the Mexican operation with intelligence. El Mencho was a high-priority target for both governments, especially due to his alleged role in trafficking significant quantities of fentanyl into the United States. The CJNG itself has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government, underscoring the gravity of the threat it poses.

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Evidence of U.S. Involvement

Confirmation of the U.S. role primarily comes from official statements.

  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes… was eliminated." This statement was shared via official channels, including posts on social media platform X.

  • Leavitt further emphasized the U.S. government's perspective, noting that El Mencho was a "top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland."

  • The U.S. government's broader strategy against cartels, as mentioned by a former official, involves intelligence sharing through a U.S.-military-led task force focused on gathering information on cartels operating across the U.S.-Mexico border.

Nature of U.S. Support

The U.S. contribution to the operation appears to have been focused on intelligence sharing.

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  • The core of the U.S. assistance was providing intelligence, as confirmed by multiple sources.

  • The U.S. government’s engagement aligns with its broader mission to map cartel networks along the U.S.-Mexico border and combat the flow of illicit substances.

  • While the U.S. provided intelligence, Mexican security forces were responsible for the direct execution of the operation on the ground.

Impact and Reactions

The elimination of El Mencho has had considerable repercussions.

  • The operation resulted in the deaths of three additional cartel members, the wounding of three others, and the arrest of two individuals.

  • The news of El Mencho's death triggered retaliatory violence across several Mexican states, leading to precautionary measures such as the cancellation of school classes in some areas.

  • The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in Mexico regarding cartel-related violence and the pressure on the Mexican government, particularly President Claudia Sheinbaum, to intensify its crackdown on these organizations.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)

The CJNG is identified as one of Mexico's most powerful and rapidly expanding criminal groups.

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  • It is known for trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States.

  • The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers the CJNG to be on par in power with the Sinaloa cartel.

  • The U.S. has designated the CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, a move that underscores the U.S. government's assessment of the group's threat level.

Expert Analysis

The involvement of U.S. intelligence in operations targeting high-level cartel figures is a known element of bilateral cooperation.

  • "The U.S. has supported the Mexican operation with intelligence," stated a former official, without providing further specifics on the nature of the intelligence shared.

  • The strategic focus on dismantling cartel leadership, such as El Mencho, is a key objective for both nations aiming to disrupt drug trafficking and related criminal activities.

Conclusion

The operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where El Mencho was killed, was a significant action against a major drug cartel leader. The United States confirmed its role in providing crucial intelligence support to Mexican authorities. This event underscores the complex and often collaborative relationship between the U.S. and Mexico in combating transnational organized crime. The ensuing retaliatory violence indicates that the impact of this operation, while a tactical success, may lead to further instability in the region. Continued vigilance and strategic intelligence sharing are likely to remain central to both nations' efforts to address the persistent threat posed by powerful cartels like the CJNG.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did the US help Mexico kill El Mencho in the Tapalpa operation?
Yes, the White House confirmed that the United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government for the operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed.
Q: Why was El Mencho a target for both the US and Mexico?
El Mencho was a top target because he led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a major group trafficking fentanyl and other drugs into the United States. Both governments considered him a significant threat.
Q: What kind of help did the US provide for the operation?
The US assistance focused on providing intelligence. Mexican security forces were responsible for carrying out the operation on the ground in Tapalpa, Jalisco.
Q: What happened after El Mencho was killed?
The operation resulted in the deaths of three other cartel members and the arrest of two people. However, news of El Mencho's death caused retaliatory violence in several Mexican states, leading to school class cancellations in some areas.
Q: What is the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)?
The CJNG is one of Mexico's most powerful criminal groups, known for trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the US. The US government has designated it as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.