Unrest triggered by the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," leader of the world's largest drug cartel Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), appears to be subsiding. El Mencho was killed in a Mexican military operation. It has been revealed that the location where he was staying with his romantic partner served as his hideout, and evidence emerged that the United States assisted in his capture by providing drug cartel organizational charts.
On the 23rd (local time), Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum held a press conference addressing the aftermath of unrest following El Mencho's death. "Most blockades were lifted the day before, and traffic on major roads has resumed," she said. The large-scale unrest resulted in 70 deaths, including 27 Mexican security personnel, 42 cartel members, and one pregnant civilian woman.
Military authorities revealed they discovered El Mencho's whereabouts while tracking his romantic partner. Defense Minister Ricardo Treviño Trejo stated, "During intelligence operations on the 20th, we identified the location of one of El Mencho's romantic partners and her closest associate." He explained, "The associate moved El Mencho's partner to a facility in Tapalpa, Jalisco state the following day. We then obtained information that El Mencho remained there with security personnel even after his partner departed."
The U.S. government reportedly provided the Mexican government with drug cartel network information through the Joint Interagency Cartel Response Task Force. A former U.S. official told Reuters, "The United States compiled a target information list for the El Mencho operation and provided it to the Mexican government." The official added, "The materials included information supplied by U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies."
Analysts suggest the operation's success delivered mutual benefits. The Mexican government eased pressure from the Donald Trump administration, while President Trump secured public support. At the press conference, President Sheinbaum credited cooperation with the U.S., saying, "This administration has significantly strengthened relations with U.S. Northern Command." She added, "Based on important information flows, we were able to cooperate with U.S. authorities and gain access to the operation."