American officials reportedly supplied targeting data ahead of the raid that ended with the death of cartel figure Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
American intelligence assets allegedly contributed information used by Mexican authorities in tracking down Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Rubén Oseguera Cervantes before a military raid that resulted in his death.
Mexican armed forces carried out a Sunday operation aimed at detaining Oseguera, a mission that culminated in the killing of the longtime cartel figure. The raid was previously detailed in coverage describing how Mexican forces targeted and eliminated the CJNG chief during the attempted capture.
According to a former U.S. official who spoke anonymously to Reuters, U.S. authorities delivered a comprehensive targeting package to the Mexican government to assist in locating Oseguera, according to the report. The former official indicated that Oseguera was considered one of the highest-ranking U.S. targets operating inside Mexico.
Oseguera founded and led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a criminal organization that expanded rapidly following the capture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Prior reporting identifying him as the leader and founder of CJNG described his ascent to prominence within Mexico’s organized crime landscape. In 2019, DEA agent Kyle Mori estimated his net worth ranged from $500 million to more than $1 billion.
In January, the Department of War established the Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel under U.S. Northern Command. The initiative coordinates efforts among Homeland Security, intelligence agencies and law enforcement entities to synchronize operations focused on “eliminating these narcoterrorist networks.”
It remains uncertain whether that task force was the unit referenced by the former U.S. official who spoke to Reuters. A Mexican government source familiar with the operation told Reuters that no U.S. personnel were involved in planning or executing the raid and that no American military members were physically present.
U.S. Northern Command told the Daily Caller News Foundation it had no additional comment.
Following Oseguera’s death, armed CJNG members reportedly entered Guadalajara International Airport and issued threats of retaliation if cartel demands were not satisfied, according to the International Business Times. The Jalisco State Government subsequently activated a Code Red high-security alert in response to the threats, the International Business Times reported.
Authorities have not released additional operational details as security responses continue in the region.
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