Mexico Captures CJNG Boss 'R2' Tied to Mayor's Killing
The Facts
- Mexican authorities announced on Sunday that they arrested Rafael Alvarez, also known as "R2," the alleged leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) cell known as "Los Rs", in an operation in Zapopan in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, along with 19 others.
- The Mexican Navy Special Operations Unit reportedly led the raid, with support from the security ministry and Army special forces, which located Alvarez thanks to intelligence work by Mexico's National Intelligence Center and information shared by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
- During the operation, naval personnel came under armed attack and returned fire, repelling the assault. The Mexican Navy reported that Alvarez and one naval officer were wounded in the action and are currently receiving medical care.
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The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The operation in Zapopan was an unmitigated success. Thanks to intelligence sharing with the DEA and careful planning, Mexican authorities were able to apprehend the leader of a vicious CJNG cell that had long been plaguing the region. More actions like this will end the gang violence wrecking Mexico by hunting down the criminal masterminds responsible.
Government-critical narrative
Mexico's kingpin-centered counter-cartel strategy is an endless whack-a-mole game with terrible consequences. Notably, it ignores that every captured or killed leader spills into further chaos and bloodshed as those who survive fight for the spoils. Instead, Mexico must address the root causes (poverty, corruption and more) driving the cartels to end them once and for all.
