Mexican cartel leader found hiding in a ditch

Mexican security forces have captured Audias Flores Silva, a senior leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), after a large-scale operation involving 500 personnel in the western state of Nayarit. Flores, also known as "El Jardinero" or "The Gardener," was found hiding in a drainage ditch and was taken into custody without resistance. He was considered the right-hand man of Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, Mexico’s most-wanted drug lord who died two months ago from injuries sustained during a military confrontation. Flores was viewed as a key contender to succeed El Mencho as the head of the CJNG, one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations. His arrest was hailed by Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch, who praised the Navy forces involved in the operation for their discipline and bravery. The US State Department had previously offered a $5 million reward for information leading to Flores’s capture, with the US ambassador to Mexico describing the arrest as a significant step toward dismantling criminal networks that threaten both countries. The capture comes amid heightened pressure on the Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, to intensify efforts against drug cartels following El Mencho’s death. Authorities have deployed additional forces in Nayarit to prevent retaliatory violence, which has already included arson attacks on vehicles and businesses by cartel members. Despite these incidents, local officials reported that the situation remains calm and no roadblocks have been established. The arrest of Flores is expected to impact the CJNG’s leadership structure and could influence the ongoing security dynamics in the region.