US intelligence services were instrumental in locating “El Mencho” after romantic encounter

The end of the reign of Nemesio Oseguera, the feared leader of the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG) known as “El Mencho”, would not have been possible without the technological and information support of the United States secret services.

As Mexican authorities revealed this Monday, North American intelligence services were essential in “geolocating” the complex where the drug trafficker was hiding, with authorities taking advantage of a moment of vulnerability: a visit from one of his romantic partners.

Fatal romantic encounter

Although Mexico led the physical attack on the ground, the accuracy of the target was assured by data shared by Washington. As reported by Reuters, the clue that led to the police action came from a close confidant of one of Oseguera’s romantic partners. This slip-up in the drug kingpin’s personal security led intelligence to monitor the meeting, which then allowed Mexican special forces to directly target the compound in Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco.

The Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, confirmed that, although there was no participation of American troops on the ground, the collaboration of the secret services was the driving force behind the operation.

The USA offered a reward of 15 million dollars for the capture of Oseguera, justifying the total commitment of its agencies in monitoring this “drug lord”.

Quick but violent operation

With the exact coordinates provided by binational cooperation, elite Mexican forces surrounded the forest complex.

The confrontation was violent, resulting in serious injuries to “El Mencho” and two of his bodyguards.

The CJNG leader ended up dying in a helicopter during the emergency transfer to Mexico City.

Reaction on the streets

Oseguera’s death triggered an unprecedented wave of violence in several Mexican states, with the cartel responding through roadblocks and attacks that killed 25 members of the National Guard.

US President Donald Trump reacted promptly via social media, urging Mexico to “intensify efforts against cartels and drugs.”

The Mexican executive took the opportunity to recall that a large part of the arsenal used by criminals originates from illegal weapons sales in the USA.