US Task Force Played Key Role in Capturing Mexican Cartel Leader
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, a U.S. defense official revealed to Reuters that a new U.S. military-led task force, tasked with gathering intelligence on drug trafficking gangs, was involved in the Sunday military operation in Mexico that led to the killing of ‘El Mencho.’
The official further explained that the cartel combat unit, comprising various U.S. government entities, was officially launched last month with the objective of identifying drug gang member networks on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, a former U.S. official indicated that the United States had provided precise intelligence regarding ‘El Mencho’ to the Mexican government, enabling the execution of the necessary operation.
The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho,’ the leader of Mexico’s most potent drug cartel, followed increasing pressure from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to intensify the fight against drug smuggling into the United States. The operation, led by the Mexican military, is considered the most significant blow to drug trafficking gangs in the country in recent years.
Mexico’s Ministry of Defense announced that the leader of Mexico’s largest drug cartel died from injuries sustained while being transported to Mexico City. In the aftermath of this event, a wave of unrest erupted across dozens of Mexican cities, including the arson of vehicles, the creation of road blockades, and attacks on security forces.
‘El Mencho’ was recognized as one of the most dangerous international fugitives, with the United States offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. The cartel under his leadership was described as the most powerful organized criminal group in Mexico and the largest drug trafficker to the United States, in addition to controlling extensive fuel smuggling networks and other cross-border criminal activities.
