Mexico's most powerful organized crime syndicate, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), suffered a major blow on Monday as the Mexican military captured one of its top commanders, Audias Flores Silva.

Known as 'El Jardinero' (The Gardener), Flores was seen as the likely successor to cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho', who was killed in a dramatic operation in February.

The United States, which designated CJNG as a terrorist organization in 2025, had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to Flores' arrest after Cervantes' killing.

El Mencho's death triggered a surge in cartel violence across Mexico, including attacks on businesses, vehicle arson, and road blockades. Over 70 people were killed, including 25 National Guard members.

In a statement, the Mexican Navy said Flores was 'identified as one of the main generators of violence.' The operation was conducted 'after 19 months of monitoring this priority target' and 'carried out with surgical precision without a single shot being fired.'

It remains unclear whether Flores will face charges in Mexico or the US, where he is sought for extradition.

Carlos Olivo, a former DEA special agent and CJNG expert, described Flores as a 'significant figure,' whose arrest 'will have a bigger effect on CJNG operations than El Mencho being taken out.'

Source: www.dw.com