Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – The Mexican Army sent a contingent of Special Forces soldiers to reinforce security in Jalisco. On August 5, ninety support elements took off at 1:30 p.m. from Military Air Base No. 1 in Santa Lucía. Their destination was Guadalajara International Airport. They landed around 3:00 p.m. at the hangar of the Attorney General’s Office (FGR).
The deployment covers the Zapopan and Puerto Vallarta areas. Authorities at the federal, state, and municipal levels will coordinate patrols. The unit’s tasks include deterrence, visible patrols, and crime prevention. Officials say this measure aims to reassure residents and tourists alike.
Special Forces Deploy to Jalisco
The Special Forces Deploy to Jalisco mission marks a notable escalation in military involvement. Soldiers arrived equipped for rapid response. They joined local police and National Guard units in joint operations. Their presence aims to disrupt organized crime networks operating in the region.
Troops will focus on hotspots identified by recent intelligence. Zapopan and Puerto Vallarta have seen spikes in violent incidents. Commanders plan to hold daily briefing sessions with state authorities. They will share actionable data on suspicious activities and criminal cells.
Rising Violence in Jalisco
Jalisco ranks third among federal entities with the highest number of organized crime investigations in early 2025. Authorities opened 23 new case files between January and June. Only Mexico City and Sinaloa registered more. In June alone, the state recorded 74 intentional homicides. That figure sits above the national monthly average.
Local analysts link the surge to turf battles among rival cartels. They say Puerto Vallarta’s coastal routes serve as smuggling corridors. Zapopan faces extortion and kidnapping rings targeting small businesses. Municipal police admit they lack manpower and high-grade equipment. They welcome military support to strengthen street-level deterrence.
The arrival of Special Forces troops coincides with the state’s launch of new social programs. Officials aim to combine security measures with community outreach. They hope to reduce youth recruitment into criminal groups. The military deployment will remain in place until authorities see sustained drops in violence.
