Mexico's most wanted cartel boss was killed Sunday in a Mexican military operation reportedly supported by U.S. intelligence; however, the emergence of potential successors indicates the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is not at the end of its road, only suggesting the decapitation strike is more likely to drive short-term fragmentation and retaliatory or spillover risks.

Local outlet Político MX reports that following the Sunday killing of CJNG leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes in the military operation, potential successors have already emerged. This signals heightened leadership transition risk and near-term volatility for CJNG command and control.

"The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes doesn't just close a chapter: it opens the dispute for control of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel," Político MX wrote on X.

Here's the short list according to the outlet:

Among financial operators, regional bosses, and key pieces in the criminal logistics, these are the names appearing in the line of succession:

El 03' — Financial and logistics operator

'El Sapo' — In charge of recruitment and armed structure

'El Jardinero' — Responsible for operations in several states

'RR' — Key piece in the operational and tactical structure

'El Tío Lako' — Operator with strong territorial control in the Guadalajara area

Separate from Político MX, X user All Source News claims, "Per an anonymous CJNG source, Juan Carlos Valencia González, alias O3, has been named the new leader of CJNG."

On Monday, we cited a conversation between Mexican journalist Luis Cárdenas and security analyst Oscar Balmen, in which they discussed how CJNG "is designed to survive without El Mencho."

Here are the key takeaways from that discussion:

The fall of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes does not mean the end of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel: it is a transnational criminal structure with a franchise model and regional autonomy.

The more than 250 blockades after the operation were not aimed at rescuing him, but were a "criminal résumé": plaza bosses flexing muscle to dispute the leadership.