Who are the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and why are they so feared?
Violence has broken out in Mexico after the assassination of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’ – a high-profile cartel leader.
Head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as CJNG, El Mencho oversaw operations of one of the most powerful and fastest growing criminal organisations in Mexico.
Formed in 2009, the CJNG has become 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 help target and kill El Mencho in the operation.
Here’s all you need to know about CJNG.
How did the Jalisco New Generation Cartel form?
In 2009, battles within another cartel – the Milenio – fractured the heart of the organisation and led to two factions being formed: the ‘Resistencia’ and the ‘Torcidos’, or ‘Twisted Ones’.
The latter of the two eventually became what is now known as the CJNG, led by former police officer El Mencho until his death this week.
In 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 as 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 part of Mexico, except for Sinaloa and the ‘Golden Triangle Region’, Insight Crime found.
Who are the Jalisco New Generation Cartel’s enemies?
Where do we begin?
The cartel’s sworn enemy is the Sinaloa Cartel – arguably the most well-known criminal organisation in the world.
In 2016, the CJNG actually kidnapped the two sons of El Chapo, the infamous leader of the northern Mexican cartel.
To put things in simple terms, the CJNG is the new kid on the block, and the Sinaloa have held the title of ‘queen bee’ for decades.
The fighting comes down to power over smuggling routes, ports, and drug supplies, all of which are lifelines to the organisations.
The CJNG has around 20,000 members, according to the American government, and the Sinaloa Cartel boasts around 185,000.
The difference in numbers is large, but the CJNG has made a name for itself through brutal tactics and militarised members. The Sinaloa has too, but 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 heart 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 as the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico’s most infamous criminal groups, with a presence in all 50 US states.
It is one of the main suppliers of cocaine to the US market and, like the Sinaloa cartel, earns billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines.
What’s next for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel?
There could 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, both of whom are said to lack the experience needed to head up the criminal sect.
Mexico City-based security consultant David Saucedo told CNN: ‘It’s likely that one of four or five top commanders will emerge as the next leader.’
Until then, cities in Mexico are in lockdown as violence persists and the government works to bring things to a calm.
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