CJNG 'El 03' force size exceeds Swedish military, Treasury designates cartels as FTOs

The U.S. Treasury has designated eight Mexican cartels, including CJNG, as foreign terrorist organizations since 2025. Reports indicate the CJNG's armed wing under 'El 03' now outnumbers Sweden's military, signaling a significant escalation in cartel military capability. This development underscores the growing threat posed by transnational criminal organizations and may prompt further U.S. security responses.