What a Cartel Leader's Killing Means for Mexico's Security and U.S. Relations

The Mexican operation that killed a major cartel leader will improve U.S.-Mexico relations in the short to medium term, but the likely surge in cartel violence will increase pressure for U.S. military action in Mexico, while obstacles for businesses will likely hurt the Mexican economy. On Feb. 22, a Mexican military operation, backed by U.S. intelligence, killed Nemesio Oseguera "El Mencho," the top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). He was critically injured during a shootout with security forces and died in authorities' custody. Mexican special forces conducted the operation in the Jalisco town of Tapalpa, approximately 75 miles south of the state capital Guadalajara. Following the operation, CJNG members carried out a widespread wave of retaliatory attacks throughout Jalisco and the neighboring states of Colima, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit and Zacatecas, as well as other parts of the country with a strong CJNG presence, including the states of...