Sunday, February 22, 2026

2026 Jalisco operation

Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), and six other gunmen are killed during a security operation carried out by the Mexican Armed Forces near Tapalpa, Jalisco. In response, CJNG members launched coordinated retaliatory attacks, including road blockades involving burning vehicles and improvised checkpoints across multiple states.

2026 Jalisco operation

At least seven National Guard troops are killed in clashes with CJNG forces in Western Mexico.

Ethiopian Civil War

At least 100 militants from the AFNM and ENDF are killed following clashes in Shawira, Central Gondar Zone, Amhara Region.

2026 Afghanistan–Pakistan war

Pakistan carries out airstrikes on suspected militant camps in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, killing 18 people.

Iran–Russia relations

The Financial Times reports that Iran had signed a confidential €500 million (US$589 million) arms agreement with Russia in December 2025 to buy 500 9K333 Verba man-portable air-defense systems and 2,500 associated missiles, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2029 under a contract negotiated between Iran's defence ministry and the Rosoboronexport.

2026 Laotian parliamentary election

Laotians vote in a parliamentary election to elect the 175 members of the tenth National Assembly. The only legal party in Laos contesting the election is the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea

North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong Un, is re-elected as the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, the most powerful position in the one-party state.

Politics

Hernando de Soto is (falsely) announced as the new prime minister of Peru.. Two days later Denisse Miralles is sworn in to this office.

Justice

Secret Service and police officials kill an armed 21-year-old man who entered Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's estate in Palm Beach, Florida, United States.

Justice

A suspect is injured in a shootout with a United States Border Patrol agent near the Canada–United States border in Pittsburg, New Hampshire, United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation says they are investigating.

February 2026 North American blizzard

In the United States, a major nor'easter snowstorm hits the East Coast, causing blizzard conditions and major transportation disruptions.

Disasters

At least nine people were killed and 35 others injured when a passenger bus overturned due to reckless driving in Badghis Province, Afghanistan.

Disasters

Search and rescue operations begin for three individuals who have been reported missing after a collapse of a landfill in Rodriguez, Rizal, Philippines, two days prior. There are other claims that up to 50 people are feared missing from the incident.

79th British Academy Film Awards

At the 2026 BAFTA Awards, the American film One Battle After Another wins the most awards with six, including Best Film. Hamnet became the most-nominated film by a female director and Sinners became the most-nominated film by a Black director in BAFTA history.

2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony

The Winter Olympics conclude with Norway as the highest-ranked team in the medal table. The Olympic flag is handed over to the organizers of the 2030 Winter Olympics to be held in the French Alps.

Ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics

The United States defeats Canada 2–1 during overtime, winning gold in the men's tournament in ice hockey for the first time since 1980, exactly 46 years after the Miracle on Ice.