Recent cartel violence in Jalisco and its capital, Guadalajara, has raised questions about whether the city can safely host matches during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which Mexico is co-hosting with the U.S. and Canada, the Associated Press reported.
The violence followed a military operation in Jalisco that killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as «El Mencho,» leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Authorities said the operation and subsequent clashes left 70 people dead. Cartel gunmen set vehicles on fire to block roads and fought with security forces in several states, particularly in Jalisco.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said there is «no risk» to fans and promised «every guarantee» that matches in Jalisco will proceed as planned. Jalisco Governor Jesús Pablo Lemus added that FIFA officials have no plans to remove any Mexican venues and that all three host cities remain unchanged.
