SAA event in Jalisco, Tapalpa area, Mexico on Sun 22nd February 2026

On 22 February 2026, in Tapalpa, Jalisco, federal forces (National Guard, Ministerial police and Military officers) clashed with the top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) during a military operation coordinated by the Ministry of National Defense, the National Intelligence Center, and the Attorney General's Office, with support from Army special forces, Air Force aircraft, and the National Guard's Immediate Reaction Force. This action was based on intelligence shared by U.S. authorities and in coordination with national intelligence and law enforcement bodies. Four criminal members were killed at the scene. Another three, including the cartel's main leader were injured but later died during their air transfer to the hospital. In addition, three military officers were injured and authorities later confirmed their death. Additionally, two criminal members were arrested, and authorities seized weapons, armored vehicles, and high-powered equipment, including rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft and destroying armored units. The criminal members also set vehicles on fire to set up a (narco) roadblock in the city. The killing of the Cartel's leader also triggered road blockades and armed clashes in several states (coded separately). The cartel's leader was also wanted by the United States on drug trafficking and firearms charges, with a $15 million reward offered for information leading to his capture. He was considered the criminal organization with the greatest capacity to traffic cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine in Mexico and worldwide, also in recent years, fentanyl into the United States. Authorities reported the killing of 30 CJNG members and 25 officers of the security forces during clashes between on 22 February in Jalisco involving CJNG members. 13 fatalities were coded in this event, including the confirmed death of 8 CJNG members and three military officers.