The United States provided close intelligence support to the Mexican government in the operation that resulted in the neutralization of the notorious drug lord known as "El Mencho," the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Operative Information Center-OMM reports that White House official Karoline Leavitt shared this information on the X social media platform.
Leavitt noted that El Mencho was considered a "high-level target" for both countries due to his pivotal role in fentanyl smuggling. The statement also recalled that US President Donald Trump had previously designated the CJNG group as a foreign terrorist organization. The operation took place in the town of Tapalpa, located 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara in Jalisco State, where the cartel leader was killed during an armed confrontation.
Following the operation, members of the criminal group blocked roads and set fire to vehicles and businesses across several states. Violence continues to escalate in various regions of Mexico, prompting the Jalisco state government to urge residents to stay indoors, suspend public transport, and declare a "red alert" for security reasons. The Washington administration had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to the capture of El Mencho, who was accused of establishing a "reign of terror" in Mexico and leading a drug trade that has claimed thousands of lives.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is regarded as one of the most powerful and violent criminal organizations in the world, significantly contributing to the opioid crisis in North America. The successful neutralization of its leadership marks a major milestone in cross-border security cooperation between the US and Mexico. Under the administration of US President Donald Trump, there has been an intensified focus on dismantling international drug cartels to curb the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States.
