The Special Forces of the Mexican Army , in coordination with the National Intelligence Center (CNI), the Attorney General's Office (FGR/FEMDO) and the Special Force of Immediate Reaction of the National Guard , carried out an air and land operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco .

According to Press Release No. 03 from the Mexican Army (SEDENA), seven members of the CJNG cartel died : four at the scene and three during air transport to Mexico City, including the CJNG leader, " El Mencho ." Three soldiers were wounded.

Weapons, including rocket launchers, were seized. The operation was conducted with intelligence from U.S. authorities . In retaliation, CJNG cells activated roadblocks, burned vehicles, and set fires in at least seven states.

Timeline of the events that took place on the morning of February 22, 2026

Early morning

Military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco

Army Special Forces, with support from Air Force and National Guard aircraft, carried out an operation to arrest Rubén “N” (a) Mencho . The soldiers were attacked and repelled the aggression. Four members of the CJNG were killed at the scene. Weapons, including rocket launchers, were seized.

Source: SEDENA – Press Release No. 03 (@Defensamx1)

~09:00 h

Drug cartel roadblocks begin in Jalisco

CJNG cells activated a coordinated response : burning vehicles, hijacking trucks, and setting up roadblocks in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta, and on the road to Chapala. A truck was set on fire near Akron Stadium. In Puerto Vallarta, armed men on motorcycles and gunfire were reported.

Source: Gov. Pablo Lemus (@PabloLemusN), National Guard, C5 Jalisco reports

~09:30 h

Governor Lemus activates Code Red and Security Task Force

Pablo Lemus reported roadblocks and clashes stemming from the operation in Tapalpa. He activated the Security Council with all three levels of government , declared a Code Red alert in the state, and ordered the immediate cancellation of all mass events scheduled for Sunday in Jalisco.

Source: Official account @PabloLemusN (X)

Guadalajara government suspends Vía RecreActiva

The Guadalajara municipal government suspended the Vía RecreActiva event scheduled for Sunday, the 22nd, as a preventative measure due to security incidents. They asked citizens to stay informed through official channels.

Source: Government of Guadalajara (press release in X)

~10:00 h

Drug cartel roadblocks spread to Michoacán (+20 points)

The C5 command center in Michoacán recorded at least 20 drug-related roadblocks along the borders with Jalisco and Colima: vehicles were set on fire, trucks were hijacked, and tires were punctured in Sahuayo, Jiquilpan, La Piedad, Zamora, Uruapan, Aguililla, and Apatzingán. Governor Alfredo Ramírez activated security measures.

Source: SSP Michoacán (C5), Gov. Alfredo Ramírez, Michoacán Prosecutor's Office

Colima: 9 points blocked, suspension of activities

Blockades were reported at 9 locations across the state . The following events were suspended: the Daytime Horseback Riding and Charro-Bullfighting Festivities of Villa de Álvarez 2026, a visit to the Usumacinta ship in Manzanillo, and intercity and local bus routes throughout the state.

Source: Official reports from the state of Colima (Milenio)

~10:30 h

Blockades in Guanajuato, Nayarit, Tamaulipas and Aguascalientes

In Guanajuato: pharmacies and stores were burned ; the Secretary of Security and Peace reported that the fires were under control in most municipalities. Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and Aguascalientes reported road blockades. In total, at least seven states were affected.

Source : Guanajuato Security and Peace Secretariat (@pazgobgente) , La Jornada, Infobae

~11:00 h

SEDENA issues Press Release No. 03 (official confirmation)

The Ministry of Defense confirmed the deaths of seven members of the CJNG cartel , including Rubén “N” (a) Mencho, who died during air transport to Mexico City. They stated that forensic authorities will carry out the identification process. Two additional arrests were made. Three wounded soldiers were transferred to Mexico City.

Source: SEDENA (@Defensamx1) – Official statement

~11:30 h

Guadalajara Airport: Statement and Security Reinforcement

GAP reported that Guadalajara Airport is operating normally under the protection of the National Guard and the Mexican Army (SEDENA). They acknowledged instances of panic among passengers. There were no incidents inside the terminal. They denied videos of shootings. Several flights were diverted.

Source: GDL Airport (@Aeropuerto_GDL), GAP (@aeropuertosGAP)

Volaris cancels flights in Puerto Vallarta

Volaris canceled all round-trip flights to Puerto Vallarta Airport for Sunday, the 22nd. They advised travelers to check their email for self-service options. International airlines also canceled flights at that airport.

Source: Volaris (@viajaVolaris)

~12:00 h

SICT issues traffic advisory: Jalisco, Michoacán and Nayarit

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation issued an alert regarding incidents on the toll-free Federal Highway Network in Jalisco, Michoacán, and Nayarit. It urged drivers to use alternate routes and drive with caution.

Source: SICT (press release in X)

Red Star suspends bullfights nationwide

The Estrella Roja bus line has suspended operations nationwide until further notice. Tickets are valid for any day once service resumes. Other bus lines in Colima and Michoacán have also suspended service.

Source: Estrella Roja (@estrellarojapue)

University of Guadalajara issues prevention statement

The University of Guadalajara (UdeG) urged people to avoid unnecessary travel , stay home, and not share unverified information. It activated coverage on Channel 44 and Radio UdeG (104.3 FM / 620 AM). Activities at the Diana Theater, Experimental Theater, MUSA, and university forums were suspended.

Source: UdeG Press Release (@udg_oficial)

~12:30 h

US issues shelter in place alert

The State Department urged citizens to seek refuge in Jalisco (Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, Guadalajara), Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León. Sarah Carter (drug czar) announced the “successful elimination.” Christopher Landau (Under Secretary of State) called it a “major development.”

Source: @TravelGov (U.S. State Department), @DeputySecState (C. Landau)

Canada issues alert for citizens in Jalisco

The Canadian government reported violence and roadblocks in Jalisco . It confirmed a refugee order in Puerto Vallarta. It recommended keeping a low profile and following instructions from local Mexican authorities.

Source: @TravelGoC (Government of Canada)

~13:00 h

García Harfuch (SSPC) confirms and recognizes the Army

The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection publicly recognized the Mexican Army and Air Force for the operation in Tapalpa. He described it as a historic achievement in the federal government's security strategy.

Source: Infobae, Milenio, El Heraldo ( statements by García Harfuch )

Lemus cancels in-person classes in Jalisco for Monday the 23rd

The governor announced the cancellation of in-person classes throughout Jalisco for Monday, February 23, prioritizing the safety of students and teachers. The Jalisco Ministry of Education (@SecEducacionJal) will provide further details.

Source: Gov. Pablo Lemus (@PabloLemusN)

Suspension of public transportation in Jalisco

Salvador Zamora, Secretary General of the Government of Jalisco, announced that public transportation will be suspended for several hours to avoid disruptions to the public. The exact duration of the suspension was not specified.

Source: Secretary General of the Government of Jalisco, Salvador Zamora (El Informador)

~13:30 h

SEP, Nayarit and U. of Guanajuato: classes suspended Monday 23

The Ministry of Education (SEP) confirmed suspensions in several states . Nayarit: classes suspended at all levels (primary, secondary, and higher education). University of Guanajuato: classes will be held remotely for secondary and higher education students on Monday the 23rd.

Source: SEP, Sec. Education Nayarit, Univ. of Guanajuato (@UdeGuanajuato)

Governors activate security task forces in multiple states

Baja California (Marina del Pilar): Permanent Security Roundtable, full reinforcement. Guerrero (Evelyn Salgado): Peace Roundtable in permanent session. Puebla: Public Security Secretariat reinforces presence. State of Mexico: Toluca activates preventive operation. CONCANACO issued recommendations to business owners .

Source: Official accounts of governors , CONCANACO (@CONCANACO)

Reactions from the Federal Legislative Branch

Laura Itzel Castillo (President of the Senate): commended federal forces for “a decisive blow” against the CJNG cartel. Kenia López Rabadán (President of the Chamber of Deputies): expressed solidarity with those affected by attacks and fires, and called for national unity beyond ideological differences.

Source: Official Twitter accounts of the presidents of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies

Incident's map

In progress

President Sheinbaum: delegates to the Security Cabinet

Claudia Sheinbaum, speaking in San Pedro, Coahuila (regarding social programs), told reporters: “The Security Cabinet will provide that information.” As of the time of this report, no comprehensive presidential statement or dedicated press conference had been issued.

Source: Press reports (El Informador, Correo Newspaper)