U.S. Applauds Mexican Authorities Following Drug Lord’s Death

On Sunday, the United States commended Mexican officials for eliminating the head of the largest drug-terrorism cartel in the country.

U.S. intelligence played a crucial role in the operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” who led the Jalisco New Generation cartel. He was killed during a confrontation with Mexican forces while they attempted to apprehend him at his residence.

In response to their leader’s death, cartels unleashed violence across Mexico, erecting roadblocks and setting vehicles ablaze. By late Sunday, authorities reported that most of these obstacles had been cleared.

Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and Mexico’s second-largest city, saw significant disruptions as residents chose to remain indoors out of fear.

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Travelers arriving at the city’s airport were informed that operations were running with limited staff due to the ongoing violent incidents.

The U.S. Embassy’s spokesperson, Ron Johnson, highlighted the Mexican military’s achievements and sacrifices in a statement. He noted that cooperation between the U.S. and Mexican governments has reached exceptional levels.

Cervantes sustained injuries during the capture attempt in Tapalpa, Jalisco, which is approximately a two-hour drive from Guadalajara. He died while being transported to Mexico City, according to Pentagon reports.

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During the operation, military personnel faced gunfire, resulting in four fatalities and three injuries, including Cervantes. The U.S. government subsequently confirmed its support for the operation through intelligence sharing.

White House press secretary Caroline Levitt remarked on social media that “El Mencho” was a significant target for both the Mexican and U.S. governments, recognized for his large-scale trafficking of fentanyl.

The U.S. State Department had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to Cervantes’s capture. Since its inception around 2009, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has emerged as one of Mexico’s most dominant and rapidly expanding criminal enterprises.