Trump urges Mexico to intensify fight against drug cartels

WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) – U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Mexico to strengthen its campaign against drug cartels, a day after a military operation killed one of the country’s most notorious drug lords and set off a wave of violence across multiple states.

“Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!” Trump wrote in a social media post.

The Mexican military killed Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” on Sunday in a special forces operation in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco. Oseguera, 60, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was wounded in the raid and died while being flown to Mexico City. His body arrived in the capital Sunday afternoon in a heavily guarded National Guard convoy.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has faced mounting pressure from Washington to intensify her offensive against cartels blamed for producing and smuggling drugs — particularly the synthetic opioid fentanyl — across the U.S. border.

Reuters reported Sunday that a new U.S. military-led task force played a role in the raid, which was led and carried out by Mexican forces. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed on social media that the United States provided intelligence support, adding that the Trump administration “commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation.”

Following news of El Mencho’s death, cartel members blockaded highways with burning vehicles and torched businesses across more than half a dozen states, paralyzing parts of the country, though no civilian deaths were reported. In the popular beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, frightened tourists described a “war zone” on social media as plumes of dark smoke rose above the bay. Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico, and American Airlines all suspended flights in the area.