The Joint Interservice Task Force Against Cartels (JIATF-CC) operates under the U.S. military but involves several U.S. government agencies. The team was established without much fanfare late last year to collect information about a network of cartel members on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
A US official told Reuters on condition of anonymity that the team played a role in the operation against El Mencho. However, he did not specify what kind of help the Americans provided. He emphasized that the operation was carried out by Mexican forces.
What role did the American team play in the operation against El Mencho?
Who was El Mencho?
What happened after El Mencho died in Mexico?
What were the consequences of El Mencho's death for security in Mexico?
Mexico's defense ministry said Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, died from injuries suffered during a military operation against the cartels. According to the ministry, the US authorities provided Mexico with “supplementary information”.
El Mencho, a former police officer, headed the notoriously brutal Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) drug cartel, one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico. He was one of the most wanted gangsters in the country.
Riots in Mexico
US President Donald Trump's administration has pressured the government of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to step up action against cartels smuggling drugs into the United States. Trump suggested that US forces could attack cartels in Mexican territory.
According to Reuters, the death of the CJNG leader is a major success for the Mexican authorities in the fight against the cartels responsible for smuggling cocaine and fentanyl to the United States. However, experts warn that the killing of El Mencho could trigger a wave of violence in the country.
Footage of cars set on fire on roads in the state of Jalisco has appeared on social networks. Mexican media reported burning vehicles and armed people blocking roads in several states, mainly in the north and west of the country. The University of Guadalajara (UdeG) announced the suspension of academic and administrative activities on Monday out of concern for the safety of students and staff.
