US President Donald Trump triggered fresh debate over Washington’s role in the killing of notorious cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, after posting a cryptic message on Truth Social stating, “We’re winning too much, it’s just not fair.” The statement came shortly after Mexican authorities confirmed that El Mencho died from injuries sustained during a special forces raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco.
El Mencho, aged 60, was the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most violent and influential drug trafficking organisations. He was captured during a high-risk military operation conducted by Mexican Special Forces. Although he was taken into custody alive and flown to Mexico City for treatment, he died during transfer due to the severity of his injuries.
Following Trump’s remarks, speculation grew over the extent of US involvement in the operation. However, Mexico’s embassy in Washington firmly denied claims of direct American military participation. Officials clarified that the raid was entirely planned and executed by Mexican forces, with US agencies providing only complementary intelligence as part of ongoing bilateral security cooperation.
The White House later confirmed intelligence support, praising Mexico’s military for successfully carrying out the operation. The Trump administration emphasised its commitment to targeting drug cartels responsible for trafficking fentanyl and other narcotics into the United States.
The killing of El Mencho dealt a major blow to organised crime but also triggered violent retaliation across multiple Mexican states. Cartel gunmen burned vehicles, blocked highways, and disrupted transport routes, while flights were suspended in tourist hubs like Puerto Vallarta due to security concerns.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum now faces growing pressure to intensify anti-cartel operations while maintaining national stability. The incident marks one of the most significant victories in Mexico’s long-running war against drug cartels, alongside previous arrests of major figures from the Sinaloa Cartel such as Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán and Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada.
Despite the success, experts warn that El Mencho’s death could create a power vacuum, potentially triggering further violence as rival factions compete for control of the lucrative drug empire.
