The U.S. provided crucial intelligence to Mexican authorities leading to the location and neutralization of cartel leader Mencho, though Mexico's government insists American agents were not on the ground during the operation.
The United States has played a significant role in assisting the Mexican government by providing critical intelligence that led to the successful operation against Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that the operation that resulted in Mencho's neutralization was conducted solely by Mexican military forces, emphasizing that U.S. agents were not directly involved in the execution of the mission on Mexican soil. This operation took place in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and was based on precise information relayed from U.S. agencies.
Secretary of Defense Ricardo Trevilla detailed how U.S. intelligence helped pinpoint Mencho's exact location, significantly contributing to a long-term surveillance and tracking effort by Mexican authorities. He noted that this intelligence complemented the existing data gathered on Mencho and his inner circle, which includes details about his close associates and security measures. The Mexican government has reiterated its commitment to combatting drug cartels independently, aligning the military's actions with national sovereignty principles.
The implications of this operation extend beyond just the immediate impact on the CJNG; it showcases the complex dynamics of U.S.-Mexico relations in the ongoing fight against organized crime. While the cooperation provided by the U.S. is evident in this case, the Mexican government continues to assert its operational autonomy. This incident highlights the continuing challenges faced in addressing drug cartel violence, emphasizing the importance of intelligence sharing while navigating issues of national sovereignty and security.
