Mexican Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said that more than 1.30 lakh troops have been deployed across the country to prevent coordinated attacks by cartels in retaliation for the arrest of a leader and his top financial strategist. On Monday, Mexican forces dealt a blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) by arresting Audias Flores Silva, also known as ‘El Jardinero’, and Cesar Alejandro N, alias ‘El Guero Conta’, who was identified as his main financial strategist.

During the press conference, Harfuch said the arrests directly weaken the operational, logistical and financial capabilities of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, an organisation that has expanded its influence and power beyond the country. He added that an immediate deployment of forces was ordered to contain possible reactions and guarantee public safety.