C.I.A. Intelligence Helped Lead Mexican Authorities to ‘El Mencho’

Mexico is reeling from a wave of violence that erupted after the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," the leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel. El Mencho, who was Mexico's most wanted man, was killed during a security operation on Sunday, and his death has sparked widespread unrest across the country.

According to Mexican officials, El Mencho's location was tracked down with the help of intelligence provided by the C.I.A. The operation to capture him was carried out by Mexican special forces in Jalisco state. However, shortly after being taken into custody, El Mencho died, and the circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear.

The death of El Mencho has led to a surge in violence across Mexico, with at least 20 states affected. The CJNG cartel, which is one of Mexico's most feared criminal organizations, has unleashed a wave of attacks on government buildings, vehicles, and other targets. The violence has resulted in the burning of vehicles, buildings, and other infrastructure, leaving many areas looking "burned and destroyed," according to eyewitnesses.

"It's heartbreaking," said Jerry Jones, a resident of Puerto Vallarta, a beach resort town that has been affected by the violence. "I've never experienced anything like this before. I usually feel safer here than in my hometown in the United States."

In response to the violence, the Mexican government has deployed thousands of soldiers to restore order. Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla announced that an additional 2,500 soldiers had been sent to western Mexico, bringing the total number of troops deployed since Sunday to around 9,500.

The situation in Mexico is being closely watched by the international community, particularly by the United States. The U.S. has been working closely with Mexico to combat organized crime and has provided intelligence support to help track down high-profile targets like El Mencho.

In a separate development, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose higher tariffs on countries that "play games" with existing trade deals. The threat comes after the Supreme Court blocked many of the sweeping global levies imposed by Trump last year. The European Union and India have already announced that they will suspend or defer trade agreements in response to the ruling.

Meanwhile, in the United States, a federal court has ruled that a new voting map in Utah can be used in this year's election, despite objections from Republicans. The map, which was imposed by a Utah judge last November, gives Democrats an improved shot at winning a U.S. House seat. The ruling marks the second setback in recent days for Republicans in Utah, who also lost an appeal at the state supreme court.

Sources:

• "C.I.A. Intelligence Helped Lead Mexican Authorities to ‘El Mencho’" (The New York Times)
• "Utah House voting map that helps Democrats can be used, federal court rules" (The Guardian)
• "'Burned and destroyed': Locals and tourists describe Mexico unrest" (BBC News)
• "Mexico sends thousands of soldiers to stop violence after death of drug lord" (BBC News)
• "Trump threatens countries that 'play games' with existing trade deals" (BBC News)