Mexican special forces arrest top commander of powerful cartel

Mexican special forces have arrested Audias Flores, known as "El Jardinero," a high-ranking commander for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and a potential successor to its slain founder. The arrest occurred in Nayarit state after a 19-month surveillance operation. Flores, who controlled significant CJNG territory and was wanted by U.S. authorities with a $5 million reward, was apprehended without a shot fired while attempting to hide. Authorities also arrested César Alejandro "N," nicknamed "El Güero Conta," identified as a key money launderer for Flores. The operation, supported by U.S. intelligence, is considered a significant blow to CJNG operations.

Mexican military forces have captured Audias Flores Silva, also known as "El Jardinero," a high-ranking leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The arrest occurred on Monday near the community of El Mirador in Nayarit state, where Flores Silva was found hiding in a roadside ditch. He was considered a potential successor to the cartel's previous leader, who was killed two months prior. The United States had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture. The Mexican government reported that no one was killed or injured during the operation. This capture represents another significant blow to the CJNG's leadership.

Mexican special forces have arrested Audias Flores, known as "El Jardinero", a top commander of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a special operation in Nayarit. The arrest was carried out without firing a shot and followed months of surveillance involving over 500 troops, six helicopters, and several planes. Flores has an arrest warrant in Mexico and is also sought by US authorities for extradition purposes, with the US government offering a $5 million reward for his capture. He was considered a potential successor to Nemesio Oseguera, alias "El Mencho", who was killed by security forces in February. The operation targeted Flores's financial operator, Cesar Alejandro "N", alias "El Guero Conta", who was arrested in Zapopan, Mexico. The arrests were announced by Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch on social media.