Officials say Mexican cartel bloodshed won't affect World Cup venues
Recent events in Mexico have raised concerns over the safety of upcoming international events. Following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," a series of violent incidents have occurred, notably in the state…
Recent events in Mexico have raised concerns over the safety of upcoming international events. Following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," a series of violent incidents have occurred, notably in the state of Jalisco, home to Guadalajara. Guadalajara is scheduled to host several matches during the FIFA World Cup, starting on June 11, 2024.
The altercation involving military forces and cartel members resulted in the deaths of 70 individuals. Cartel gunmen engaged in violent activities, including setting vehicles ablaze to block streets, predominantly in Jalisco. Despite these incidents, Mexican authorities have declared the situation under control.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has reassured international visitors that the violence will not affect the World Cup festivities, emphasizing that there is no risk for attendees. Guadalajara is expected to host four World Cup matches, and preparations continue as planned.
Local businesses in Guadalajara have reported disruptions due to the recent violence. Ángel Eduardo De La Rosa, a local store owner, was advised by police to close his shop due to nearby unrest. Despite these challenges, the local government remains confident that the city will successfully host the World Cup events.
Recent events in Mexico have raised concerns over the safety of upcoming international events.
Jalisco Governor Jesús Pablo Lemus has stated that FIFA has no plans to alter the list of host cities, confirming that Guadalajara remains a venue for the upcoming matches.
The Mexican government has intensified its efforts against cartel activities, aiming to stabilize the region ahead of the international event. The death of Oseguera Cervantes is part of a broader initiative to dismantle criminal networks, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico's largest criminal organizations.
While the recent developments have caused temporary disruptions, the situation in Guadalajara is returning to normalcy, with businesses reopening and traffic resuming in previously affected areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety and success of the World Cup events in Mexico.
Based on reporting by Africanews.