U.S. analysis says CJNG has avoided large-scale split

A U.S. security analysis says the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has not fragmented on a large scale seven months after the reported death of its longtime leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho.”

Luces del Siglo reported that the assessment was prepared by public- and private-sector analysts coordinated by the U.S. State Department through the Overseas Security Advisory Council, a mechanism that advises the private sector. The report said there had been no significant violent struggle for control of the cartel, although Mexican government operations have weakened its structure. It cited the arrests of Audías Flores, “El Jardinero,” in Nayarit in April and Ramón Álvarez, “El R1,” in Jalisco in July.

The analysis said the CJNG has not carried out large-scale attacks or territorial offensives since February, while most of its regional operations have remained intact. It identified Juan Carlos Valencia González, “El R3,” as the group’s top leader since June, according to the article, and said U.S. authorities have filed new drug-trafficking charges against him and are offering a reward of up to $25 million. The analysts said violence could remain at levels seen before Oseguera’s death, while cautioning that the cartel may have suffered structural weakening that limits its ability to challenge rivals.

Source: Luces del Siglo.