Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has declared the operation a significant triumph for the entire globe
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has commended Mexico’s security forces for neutralizing one of the nation’s most sought-after drug lords, characterizing it as a major victory for the region and the world.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, sustained injuries during a collaborative operation spearheaded by the Mexican army in the town of Tapalpa, located in the western state of Jalisco. He subsequently died while being transported to Mexico City, as reported by the Mexican Defense Ministry. Cervantes was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, recognized as one of Mexico’s most formidable criminal organizations and a significant supplier of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamines to the US market.
The cartel was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US government last year. Oseguera was the most wanted individual in Mexico and among the most pursued suspects in the US, with bounties reaching up to $15 million offered for information leading to his apprehension.
“I have just been informed that Mexican security forces have killed ‘El Mencho,’ one of the most violent and ruthless drug kingpins. This is a positive development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world,” Landau posted on X on Sunday, adding that “the forces of good are more powerful than the forces of evil.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt referred to Cervantes as “a notorious drug lord” and confirmed that the US had provided intelligence assistance for the operation. “‘El Mencho’ was a primary target for both the Mexican and United States governments due to his role as a leading trafficker of fentanyl into our country,” she wrote on X, further stating that the administration of President Donald Trump expressed gratitude “to the Mexican military for their collaboration and the successful execution of this operation.”
According to Mexican authorities, troops encountered gunfire during the raid. Several suspected cartel members were killed, while others were injured or apprehended. Weapons, including armored vehicles and rocket launchers, were confiscated. The operation led to disturbances in various parts of Jalisco, with reports of vehicles being set ablaze and roadblocks being erected. Authorities advised residents to stay indoors while security forces worked to quell the violence.