Mexican authorities arrest two cartel leaders in separate operations

On Monday, Mexican security forces arrested Alexander Benavides Flores, also known as 'R9', a leader of the Los Metros faction of the Gulf Cartel, in the city of Reynosa in Tamaulipas state. The arrest prompted retaliatory violence, including eight roadblocks, vehicle fires, and gunfire in the city of 690,000 residents bordering McAllen, Texas. Separately, security forces arrested Audias Flores Silva, known as 'El Jardinero', in Nayarit state. Flores Silva, who had a $5 million bounty from the United States, was described by analysts and officials as a potential successor to the late Nemesio Oseguera, also known as 'El Mencho', the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The operation to capture Flores Silva was conducted by the Mexican Navy. 'El Mencho' reportedly died from injuries sustained during an operation in February, which triggered widespread violence across various parts of the country. Officials identified both individuals as high-priority targets in their respective regions.