US provided intelligence support in Mexico's El Mencho raid, White House confirms

The United States provided intelligence support to Mexico in the military operation that killed drug lord Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the White House said, confirming American involvement in one of the most high-profile blows against a cartel in recent years.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US assisted Mexican authorities in the operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where Oseguera — leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) — was “eliminated.”

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“‘El Mencho’ was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland,” Leavitt said, adding that three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded and two were arrested during the raid.

She noted that last year President Donald Trump designated the CJNG a Foreign Terrorist Organization. “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,” she said, commending the Mexican military for its “cooperation and successful execution” of the operation.

Mexico’s defence ministry said Oseguera, 60, died in custody after being injured in a special forces raid in Tapalpa, on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Jalisco state. His body was later transported to Mexico City under heavy National Guard escort.

The killing triggered retaliatory violence across multiple states. Cartel gunmen blockaded highways with burning vehicles and torched businesses in more than half a dozen states, paralysing parts of the country. Authorities said no civilian deaths had been reported.

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The operation comes as President Claudia Sheinbaum faces mounting pressure from Washington to intensify Mexico’s crackdown on cartels blamed for producing and smuggling fentanyl into the United States.

While the Trump administration hailed Oseguera’s killing as a major victory, the wave of violence that followed underscored the delicate balance Sheinbaum must maintain as she steps up cooperation with the US while defending Mexico’s sovereignty.

On Sunday, Sheinbaum said activities in most parts of the country were proceeding as usual, though several states cancelled school classes as a precaution.

(With inputs from agencies)