link to article: https://apnews.com/article/jalisco-cartel-drugs-mexico-mencho-new-generation-5014a70bc62a81d74849146c59ba19f8
Mexican military forces reportedly killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, who headed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the largest crime organizations in Mexico. El Mencho had been shot in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and died en route to Mexico City. The death of El Mencho has led to widespread cartel retaliations throughout 20 states, with over 250 road blocks, burning of automobiles, and attacking of major highways; at least 14 have died. Many major cities, such as Guadalajara, are closed or operating at minimal level, and flights in and out of the area have ceased due to cartel violence. Both Canada and the United States have issued travel advisories for their citizens. The US confirmed they supplied the intelligence which supported the operation against CJNG; CJNG is identified as a leading fentanyl trafficker. President Claudia Sheinbaum indicated she was pleased with the operation against the CJNG. However, analysts believe the operation could lead to increased violence in near future as the cartel begins to fracture from the loss of its leader.
This incident is significant for the country’s security landscape. The elimination of a leader as prominent as El Mencho impacts the stability of the CJNG; However, it also creates a potential for violent fragmentation among the cartel members. This is an example of what many have referred to as the “kingpin strategy”. The scale of the CJNG’s response demonstrates the size of their territory and the level of military capability available to them. There is concern regarding the control of the state in key areas of the country. Additionally, the operation indicates increasing levels of cooperation between the US and Mexico concerning fentanyl trafficking, although this cooperation could create instability in the short term. Cartel violence creates challenges to immigration, trade, tourism, and border security.
And response the death of El Mencho, the government of Mexico will likely deploy additional troops into the area reinforce state authority in Jalisco; coordinate further intelligence with the US; local authorities will implement curfew and provide expanded emergency services; the US will continue to share intelligence with Mexico; civilians and businesses will take steps to protect themselves and limit travel.
This incident relates to several class concepts, including state sovereignty, non-state actors, and security dilemmas. CJNG is an example of how powerful non-state actors can challenge the authority of a state. The fact that the Mexican government is relying on US intelligence indicates a level of interdependence, whereas the violent reaction to El Mencho’s death indicates the unintended consequences of using security strategies within global political systems.