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The White House warned on Tuesday that the Mexican cartels will face “serious consequences” if they harm American citizens, amid the wave of violence unleashed in Mexico following the death of the drug trafficker Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”.
“At this time, we have no evidence of any reports regarding Americans injured, kidnapped, or killed, and the Mexican drug cartels know that they cannot touch a single American or they will face severe consequences under this president,” stated White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The spokesperson emphasized that the Administration of President Donald Trump is maintaining coordination with Mexican authorities and reminded that Washington has designated several cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a Mexican Army operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, in the west of the country. Mexican authorities confirmed that they relied on U.S. intelligence to carry out the operation.
According to Leavitt, the blow against the kingpin would not have been possible without the leadership of President Trump and bilateral cooperation in security matters.
Following the death of the criminal leader, armed groups unleashed a wave of violence in about one-third of Mexico's states. The official toll reports 25 military personnel dead, as well as a security guard and a state prosecutor's agent, along with 30 suspected members of the CJNG killed.
The actions included at least 85 blockades on federal roads, burning of vehicles, and attacks on gas stations, businesses, and banking entities, causing chaos in several cities, including Guadalajara and the tourist destination Puerto Vallarta.
Hundreds of American tourists were temporarily stranded in western Mexico due to the unrest and blockades, although authorities assured that no casualties among their citizens have been reported.
Washington reiterated its call for Americans in Mexico to follow the security recommendations issued by the State Department, while making it clear that any aggression against its citizens will provoke a firm response.
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