23.02.2026 13:21
The conflicts that erupted following El Mencho's death have reopened the debate on the balance of power between the Mexican army, which has approximately 387,000 personnel, and cartels whose membership is estimated to range between 150,000 and 250,000. Experts have pointed out that numerical superiority alone does not determine dominance on the ground.
The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," was killed in an operation for which the U.S. has offered a reward of 10 million dollars.
POWER BALANCE BECAME A TOPIC
Following the operation, clashes between cartel members and security forces brought the power balance between the state and organized crime groups in Mexico back into focus.
ARMY PERSONNEL NUMBER AT 387 THOUSAND
According to open sources, the active personnel number of the Mexican Armed Forces is approximately 387 thousand. This number, which includes elements of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, positions the country as one of the largest military powers in Latin America. However, experts emphasize that numerical superiority alone does not guarantee dominance on the ground.
CARTEL MEMBERSHIP COULD RISE TO 250 THOUSAND
Estimates regarding the manpower of the cartels vary. Security research indicates that the total membership of criminal organizations in Mexico is between 150 thousand and 200 thousand, while some analyses suggest that this figure could rise to between 200 thousand and 250 thousand. However, experts state that this total encompasses a wide structure that includes not only militants directly involved in armed conflict but also logistical supporters, financial networks, and local connections.
ASYMMETRIC WAR TACTICS MAY BE EFFECTIVE
Following El Mencho's death, particularly CJNG's retaliatory actions in certain areas demonstrated once again that cartels are effective not only through numerical strength but also through asymmetric warfare tactics and heavy weaponry capacity. Analysts point out that the loss of leadership could turn into a show of force rather than reducing violence in the short term.
STRIKING ASSESSMENT FROM EXPERTS
According to experts, the situation in Mexico is not merely a classic "army-cartel" numerical comparison; organizational structure, access to weapons, financial resources, and local influence areas play a decisive role in the power balance.