Argentina has designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) as a terrorist organisation, aligning itself more closely with the United States under President Donald Trump. The move follows Washington's decision last year to label the cartel a foreign terrorist group.
The CJNG, one of Mexico's most powerful and violent criminal networks, has been linked to large-scale fentanyl trafficking, extortion, and attacks on security forces. Its leader, Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho', was killed in February during a Mexican army operation backed by US intelligence.
The Argentine government, led by President Javier Milei, said the decision was based on official reports documenting the cartel's 'illicit transnational activities' and its links to other terrorist groups. Argentina has previously designated Hamas and Iran's Quds Force as terrorist organisations.
The designation enables financial sanctions and operational restrictions aimed at limiting the cartel's ability to operate within Argentina. It also adds pressure on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to intensify her offensive against drug cartels, though Mexico has long resisted labelling domestic criminal groups as terrorists, arguing they are motivated by profit rather than political ideology.
