A new US-military-led task force specializing in intelligence collection on drug cartels played a role in the Mexican military raid on Sunday that killed the Mexican drug lord known as "El Mencho," a US defense official told Reuters.
The Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel, which involves multiple US government agencies, was quietly launched late last year with the goal of mapping out networks of drug cartel members on both sides of the US-Mexico border, US officials said.
The US official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, did not offer further details on any information the US-military-led task force may have provided to Mexican authorities. The official stressed the raid itself was a Mexican military operation.
Mexico's defense ministry said a shootout in the western state of Jalisco left Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as 'El Mencho,' seriously injured, and he died during an air transfer to Mexico City. The ministry noted that US authorities had provided "complementary information."
The operation set off a wave of violence, with torched cars and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states.
US issues "shelter in place" alert for citizens in Mexico
The US Embassy in Mexico issued an alert to its citizens, advising them to shelter in place until further notice if they are in Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State.
The embassy said US citizens should avoid areas around law enforcement activity; be aware of their surroundings; seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements; monitor local media for updates; follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911; avoid crowds; and keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said, "There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must stay informed and calm. My recognition to the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet."
She also confirmed that operations by the Mexican Army and the National Guard led to various blockades and other responses.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described Oseguera as "one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins" in a post on X/Twitter following the operation.
"This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world," Landau stated, asserting that "the good guys are stronger than the bad guys."
Landau additionally shared that he is "watching the scenes of violence from Mexico with great sadness and concern" as cartel members violently lash out.