'US Provided Intelligence Support': White House On Killing Of Mexico’s Most-Wanted Drug Leader

Last Updated:February 23, 2026, 08:16 IST

The White House said the US provided intelligence support to Mexico in an operation that killed CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, a key fentanyl trafficker.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States provided intelligence support to Mexican authorities during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, that resulted in the death of Nemesio “El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

In a post on X, Leavitt described the cartel boss as a major target for both Washington and Mexico City, linking the operation to broader efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking into the United States.

“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," she wrote.

Leavitt added that Oseguera Cervantes “was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland."

She also noted that President Donald Trump had designated the CJNG a Foreign Terrorist Organisation last year, saying the move reflected the administration’s position “because that’s exactly what it is."

According to her statement, three additional cartel members were killed during the operation, three were wounded, and two others were arrested.

The White House also credited Mexican forces for carrying out the mission.

“The Trump Administration also commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation," Leavitt mentioned, adding that the United States would continue pursuing “narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland."

Leavitt quoted a report by the Associated Press that provided further details about the operation and its aftermath across Mexico.

The Mexican army killed Oseguera Cervantes during a military operation on Sunday, dealing a major blow to what had become Mexico’s most powerful drug cartel.

The cartel leader was injured during efforts to capture him in Tapalpa, roughly two hours southwest of Guadalajara, and later died while being flown to Mexico City.

Troops came under fire during the raid, killing multiple individuals at the scene, while others were wounded and arrested.

Mexican authorities also seized armoured vehicles, rocket launchers and other weapons.

Several members of the armed forces were injured during the confrontation.

The AP report described the CJNG as a major trafficker of fentanyl and other narcotics into the United States and noted that Oseguera Cervantes had long been one of Mexico’s most wanted figures, with the US State Department previously offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture.

VIOLENCE ERUPTS AFTER CARTEL LEADER’S DEATH

The killing triggered a violent backlash from cartel members, with burning vehicles used to block roads in nearly a dozen Mexican states.

Smoke filled parts of Jalisco as authorities struggled to contain unrest.

Guadalajara was described as turning into a “ghost town" as residents sheltered indoors, while schools were cancelled in several regions.

Videos circulating online showed panic at airports and roadways as security operations intensified.

Airlines suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta amid the security situation, and officials urged civilians to remain in safe locations.

Authorities also reported additional deaths linked to retaliatory violence, including security personnel and officials targeted during the unrest.

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