White House confirms providing ‘intelligence support’ to Mexican govt for operation that killed cartel leader El Mencho

The White House has confirmed that the United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government for an operation that resulted in the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, in Jalisco. In a post on X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States assisted Mexican authorities in carrying out the operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, which led to the elimination of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). > The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated.… https://t.co/iKxsAMmnLN— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) February 23, 2026 The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated.… https://t.co/iKxsAMmnLN “The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated,” the post read. Ms. Leavitt said El Mencho was a top target for both the Mexican and U.S. governments, alleging that he was among the leading traffickers of fentanyl into the United States. She further noted that last year, U.S. President Donald Trump designated the CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. “’El Mencho’ was a was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland. Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization -- because that’s exactly what it is,” the post added. The United States has classified the Jalisco cartel as a terrorist organization and accuses it of sending cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States. ## Related Stories • Indian Embassy issues advisory for its nationals in Mexico after powerful drug lord El Mencho killed Indian Embassy issues advisory for its nationals in Mexico after powerful drug lord El Mencho killed • U.S., Canada issue travel warnings for Mexico after drug kingpin killing U.S., Canada issue travel warnings for Mexico after drug kingpin killing • Cop-turned-crime boss, Mexico’s Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera leaves bloody legacy Cop-turned-crime boss, Mexico’s Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera leaves bloody legacy According to Ms. Leavitt, in addition to El Mencho’s death, three other cartel members were killed in the operation, three were wounded, and two were arrested. She further stated the U.S. administration remains committed to combating narcotics trafficking. “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,” her post read. Mexico confirmed on Sunday (February 22, 2026) that soldiers killed Nemesio Oseguera, the 59-year-old leader of the violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He was wounded in a clash with soldiers in the town of Tapalpa and died while being flown to Mexico City, the army said in a statement. Oseguera, whose nickname was “El Mencho,” is one of the biggest Mexican drug suspects to be taken down since the capture of the founders of the Sinaloa cartel, Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman and Ismael Zambada. Both are now serving time in the United States. Published - February 23, 2026 10:40 am IST ### Related Topics World / Mexico / USA / Drugs / narcotics & drug trafficking / Donald Trump