Violence has broken out in Mexico after the assassination of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, referred to as ‘El Mencho’ – a high-profile cartel leader.
Head of the Jalisco Latest Generation Cartel, referred to as CJNG, El Mencho oversaw operations of one of the crucial powerful and fastest growing criminal organisations in Mexico.
Formed in 2009, the CJNG has turn into known for its aggressive tactics and attacks on the military, including on helicopters.
The heavily armed group became pioneers in launching explosives from drones and installing mines in turf wars.
In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organisation.
Today, it was revealed the US provided intelligence to assist goal and kill El Mencho within the operation.
Here’s all you could find out about CJNG.
How did the Jalisco Latest Generation Cartel form?
In 2009, battles inside one other cartel – the Milenio – fractured the center of the organisation and led to 2 factions being formed: the ‘Resistencia’ and the ‘Torcidos’, or ‘Twisted Ones’.
The latter of the 2 eventually became what’s now referred to as the CJNG, led by former police officer El Mencho until his death this week.
Within the wake of the cartel’s creation, violence increased in Jalisco, Mexico, where the organisation operates from.
Forced disappearances, murders in broad daylight and mass graves became common because the cartel fought to defend its ‘turf’ and protect drug supplies.
CJNG has made multiple attempts to assasinate high profile politicians, including Luis Carlos Najera and Omar Garcia Harfuch. Journalists have also been killed.
Its operations aren’t just based in Jalisco, its namesake. It has members based in every a part of Mexico, apart from Sinaloa and the ‘Golden Triangle Region’, Insight Crime found.
Who’re the Jalisco Latest Generation Cartel’s enemies?
Where can we begin?
The cartel’s sworn enemy is the Sinaloa Cartel – arguably essentially the most well-known criminal organisation on the earth.
In 2016, the CJNG actually kidnapped the 2 sons of El Chapo, the infamous leader of the northern Mexican cartel.
To place things in easy terms, the CJNG is the brand new kid on the block, and the Sinaloa have held the title of ‘queen bee’ for a long time.
The fighting comes right down to power over smuggling routes, ports, and drug supplies, all of that are lifelines to the organisations.
The CJNG has around 20,000 members, in response to the American government, and the Sinaloa Cartel boasts around 185,000.
The difference in numbers is large, however the CJNG has made a reputation for itself through brutal tactics and militarised members. The Sinaloa has too, however the speed at which the CJNG has grown has thrown them for a loop.
Battles with law enforcement
In 2020, the cartel carried out a spectacular assassination attempt with grenades and high-powered rifles in the center of Mexico City against the then head of the capital’s police force and now federal security secretary.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration considers the cartel to be as powerful because the Sinaloa cartel, one in every of Mexico’s most infamous criminal groups, with a presence in all 50 US states.
It’s one in every of the foremost suppliers of cocaine to the US market and, just like the Sinaloa cartel, earns billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines.
What’s next for the Jalisco Latest Generation Cartel?
There may very well be some infighting for who takes the title of cartel leader after the death of El Mencho.
El Mencho’s son, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez – or ‘El Menchito’ – is in an American prison.
El Mencho only has one other son and a stepson, each of whom are said to lack the experience needed to move up the criminal sect.
Mexico City-based security consultant David Saucedo told CNN: ‘It’s likely that one in every of 4 or five top commanders will emerge as the following leader.’
Until then, cities in Mexico are in lockdown as violence persists and the federal government works to bring things to a peaceful.
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