25.02.2026 08:22
In his address to the nation, President Donald Trump attributed the downfall of CJNG leader El Mencho, who was killed in an operation in Mexico, to his administration. Trump stated, "Yesterday we eliminated one of the most sinister cartel leaders."
US President Donald Trump presented the operation in which the Mexican army killed CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho) as a success of his administration during his "State of the Union" address to Congress; the Mexican government emphasized that the US only provided intelligence support.
CLAIMED "EL MENCHO" OPERATION
In his "State of the Union" speech, US President Donald Trump highlighted the killing of "El Mencho," known as the leader of CJNG, as one of his administration's significant achievements. According to El País, Trump stated that a "dangerous drug baron" had been neutralized without mentioning the name directly; the report also noted that there was confusion in Trump's statements regarding the date of the operation.
IT WAS ALLEGED THAT THE US PROVIDED INTELLIGENCE
According to information compiled by Associated Press and Time, Mexican security forces targeted Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes in an operation carried out in Jalisco state on February 22, 2026; it was announced that Cervantes had been killed after the operation. Reports emphasized that the US contributed to the operation not on the ground, but with intelligence support in areas such as target identification.
THE COUNTRY TURNED INTO A WAR ZONE
Following the killing of El Mencho, CJNG-affiliated groups reportedly responded with roadblocks, vehicle arson, and attacks in Jalisco and surrounding states; losses among the Mexican National Guard were reported in the international press. During the same period, it was reported that the US issued "shelter/lockdown" warnings for certain areas in Mexico, later narrowing the warning area.
TRUMP'S WORDS BACK IN THE AGENDA
El País reported that Trump reiterated his statement that some regions of Mexico are under the control of cartels and brought up the idea of US security forces taking a more direct role in Mexico again.