White House confirms providing ‘intelligence support’ to Mexican govt for operation that killed cartel leader El Mencho

The White House has confirmed that the United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government for an operation that resulted in the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, in Jalisco.

In a post on X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States assisted Mexican authorities in carrying out the operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, which led to the elimination of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

“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, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated,” the post read.

Ms. Leavitt said El Mencho was a top target for both the Mexican and U.S. governments, alleging that he was among the leading traffickers of fentanyl into the United States.

She further noted that last year, U.S. President Donald Trump designated the CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.

“’El Mencho’ was a was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland. Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — because that’s exactly what it is,” the post added.

According to Ms. Leavitt, in addition to El Mencho’s death, three other cartel members were killed in the operation, three were wounded, and two were arrested.

She further stated the U.S. administration remains committed to combating narcotics trafficking. “President Trump has been very clear the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved,” her post read.