Another Big Drug Lord k!lled in a Shootout with the Army
Mexican military forces successfully killed Hugo César Macías Ureña, known as ‘El Tuli,’ during a shootout on February 22 in Jalisco. This significant operation resulted in the seizure of over $1.3 million in cash and various weapons, as outlined in a recent military press conference.
El Tuli was a key lieutenant in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), under the leadership of El Mencho. Following El Mencho’s death earlier in 2026, El Tuli coordinated a wave of cartel retaliation. This included violent tactics such as highway blockades and arson attacks, alongside issuing a 20,000-peos bounty on Mexican soldiers, which contributed to rising violence in the region. In response, the government deployed 10,000 troops to Jalisco to restore order.
This tactical victory for the Mexican authorities disrupts the financial operations and leadership succession within the CJNG. However, concerns persist regarding the potential for further splintering of the cartel and retaliatory violence against military personnel. Experts warn that while this operation marks an important strike against the CJNG, it may also lead to increased unrest as the cartel seeks to reestablish control and retaliate for the loss of its leaders.
