politics
February 24, 2026
US Army intelligence group helped in operation against El Mencho, according to media
A US Army intelligence group collaborated in the operation that culminated in the death of 'El Mencho', leader of the CJNG, according to The Washington Post, citing Defense sources linked to the Northern Command.
TL;DR
- A new US Army intelligence group focused on drug cartels collaborated in the operation where El Mencho, leader of CJNG, was killed.
- The unit, known as Joint Interagency Task Force Anti-Cartel (JIATF-CC), operates under the US Northern Command and works regularly with the Mexican Army.
- The operation occurred in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and resulted in armed confrontations.
- El Mencho was a highly sought-after fugitive with a $15 million reward offered by US authorities.
- The JIATF-CC was recently established to identify and dismantle cartels threatening the US.
- US authorities accused El Mencho of leading a 'reign of terror' and trafficking fentanyl.