Mexico's President Asserts No Risk Despite Cartel Clashes in FIFA World Cup Lead-Up
In the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup, Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has assured fans that attending matches in Jalisco will be safe. However, the capture and killing of the country's most-wanted cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or 'El Mencho', has sparked violence and security concerns.
Sheinbaum stated there are 'every guarantees' that World Cup matches will be held in Jalisco, despite the state being a central hub for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The CJNG's leader, El Mencho, was killed in a military operation, leading to a surge in violence and fighting between the cartel and security forces.
The CJNG is known for its involvement in drug trafficking and brazen attacks against Mexican officials. The Portuguese soccer federation is monitoring the situation closely, as their national team was set to play Mexico in a friendly match.
Local residents, like Hugo Alejandro Pérez, express skepticism about the World Cup's impact on their area. Pérez, a restaurant owner, witnessed gunfire and explosions near his home, raising doubts about the safety of hosting the tournament.
Critics argue that killing cartel leaders, a strategy known as the 'kingpin strategy', can lead to internal conflicts and territorial grabs among rival cartels. Despite concerns, the Mexican government remains committed to hosting the World Cup, emphasizing its economic benefits and public safety measures.
The tournament is expected to bring significant economic gains, estimated at $3 billion, but residents like Pérez question its impact on their neighborhoods. The government's efforts to combat cartels and ensure public safety are ongoing, but the future remains uncertain in the wake of El Mencho's death.
