Feb 23 • 21:16 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

The death of El Mencho opens an uncertain succession in the CJNG and challenges Sheinbaum's strategy

The assassination of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, raises questions about the future of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel amid fears of increased violence in Mexico.

The recent assassination of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, commonly referred to as El Mencho, a significant figure in the drug trafficking world, marks a critical juncture for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). His death has immediately created uncertainties regarding the power dynamics within the cartel, which has been a prominent player in the drug trade, distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, and other narcotics from Mexico to the United States and even reaching as far as Australia. This event has heightened concerns within Mexico as law enforcement anticipates potential retaliatory violence from the CJNG, exacerbating the already volatile security situation in the country.

Following El Mencho's death, Guadalajara, a major city in Mexico and the capital of Jalisco, quickly descended into chaos, reflecting the immediate consequences of the void in leadership within the cartel. The CJNG is known for its violent tactics, and the uncertainty surrounding its future governance invites fears of an escalation in violent confrontations. Government officials, particularly in the wake of this incident, are bracing for a surge in cartel-related violence that could lead to a parallel conflict with the Sinaloa Cartel, another dominant force in the narcotics trade. The potential for escalating violence poses significant challenges for authorities, prompting renewed scrutiny of their existing strategies to combat organized crime.

Moreover, the situation presents a critical test for Claudia Sheinbaum, the current mayor of Mexico City, as she navigates the implications of El Mencho's death on local and national security. The assassination not only threatens to destabilize the CJNG but also challenges the effectiveness of current law enforcement initiatives aimed at combating cartel influence. With leadership vacuums often leading to power struggles, the possibility of a drawn-out internal conflict within the CJNG could lead to more widespread violence, urging the Mexican government to reassess its approach in curbing cartel activities and ensuring public safety amidst these escalating challenges.

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