The death of a drug cartel leader in Mexico was facilitated by collaboration between Mexican authorities and a new US special task force designed to combat drug trafficking.
The Mexican military announced that Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed in an operation involving the collaboration of US authorities. This operation was supported by the Joint Interagency Task Force–Counter Cartel, which is focused on gathering intelligence regarding drug cartels operating in Mexico. The operation took place in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and led to significant unrest, including drug blockades across 15 states in Mexico.
The involvement of the US team highlights an increasing level of collaboration between US and Mexican authorities in the fight against drug trafficking. A US Department of Defense official confirmed the participation of the special task force in the operation. This development signifies a more aggressive posture by US law enforcement to combat the influence of drug cartels in Mexico and mitigate the spillover effects impacting US communities.
With the death of 'El Mencho', the CJNG may face significant disruptions in its operations, although the implications for the cartel and its competition in the drug trade remain to be seen. The effectiveness of this new task force in further operations is critical and will likely influence the US's strategic approach in Mexico concerning drug-related crime and violence.
