Mexican Armed Forces, aided by U.S. intelligence, successfully neutralized CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', but questions remain about the circumstances surrounding his demise.
The Mexican Armed Forces have become the nemesis of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). With assistance from U.S. intelligence, they succeeded in neutralizing him, which raises significant concerns about the ongoing struggle against cartels amidst an epidemic of fentanyl trafficking. As of February 22, El Mencho had managed to evade U.S. authorities, who are intent on dismantling major drug cartels and curtailing the surge in fentanyl distribution across borders.
Prior to this crackdown, the Mexican government had delivered El Mencho’s brother, Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed 'Tony Montana', to U.S. authorities, while his wife, Rosalinda González, was recently released from prison. This chain of events indicates Mexico's evolving posture towards appropriately dealing with cartel leadership. It highlights the pressing challenges faced by authorities in directly connecting with cartel operations and enforcing law and order in a region plagued by drug-related violence and organized crime.
The neutralization of El Mencho raises further questions regarding the dynamics of cartel leadership and the implications for the CJNG’s operations going forward. Speculations surrounding his demise include the possibility of betrayal within the ranks or external assistance from law enforcement. As the U.S. focuses on countering drug trafficking, it's crucial to observe how this change in leadership will affect the CJNG's influence and the overall landscape of organized crime in Mexico and beyond.
