Feb 23 • 12:25 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany FAZ

Unrest at Co-Host: Mexico's Security Situation Comes to the Fore Before the World Cup

As Mexico prepares for the World Cup, rising violence influenced by drug cartels raises concerns about safety during the tournament.

In less than four months, Mexico will host the World Cup, but a surge in violence across the country is creating serious concerns for event organizers and visitors alike. With playoff matches just weeks away, fear is palpable among passengers at the Guadalajara airport, apprehensive about potential attacks from drug cartels that have recently intensified their activities. The rising unrest, evidenced by alarming incidents such as tourists being evacuated from dangerous areas and scenes of burning vehicles in popular regions like Puerto Vallarta, highlights the urgent need for improved security measures in the lead-up to the tournament.

The violence is notably linked to operations against prominent drug cartel leaders, particularly Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," who heads the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). This situation poses significant risks not only to the safety of visitors and residents but also to the successful execution of the World Cup matches scheduled to take place in Mexico. Organizers may have to address and mitigate these threats to ensure a safe environment for players and fans.

Additionally, the implications of this unrest extend beyond immediate safety concerns, potentially affecting tourism and international perceptions of Mexico as a host country. As the event approaches, it remains crucial for local authorities and organizers to implement strategies to address these escalating security issues, reassuring both residents and visitors that the World Cup can proceed without incident despite the challenges posed by the current situation.

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