Mexico Plans Massive Security Operation with 100,000 Troops for World Cup

Mexico's government has announced plans to mobilize a massive security force, comprising 100,000 police, military, and private security personnel, to safeguard the 13 World Cup games it will host this summer.

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The country is set to co-host the largest-ever World Cup, alongside the United States and Canada, from June 11 to July 19, in a tournament that promises to be a spectacular event.

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The security plan was unveiled just under two weeks after a wave of violence swept through Guadalajara, one of the three host cities, sparked by the killing of notorious drug lord Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera.

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Oseguera, the leader of the feared Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC), was killed by the army during a raid on a ranch near Guadalajara on February 22, triggering a violent backlash from his cartel members.

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In the aftermath of Oseguera's death, JNGC members embarked on a rampage, blocking roads in 20 of Mexico's 32 states and setting fire to vehicles and businesses, including in the popular Jalisco tourist resort of Puerto Vallarta.

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The operation to capture Oseguera and subsequent clashes between security forces and JNGC gunmen resulted in the deaths of at least 74 people, highlighting the intense violence that has plagued the region.

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FIFA swiftly moved to allay concerns that it might relocate games from Guadalajara, which is scheduled to host four matches, with the world football body's head, Gianni Infantino, expressing his confidence in Mexico's ability to host the tournament.

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Just two days after Oseguera's killing, Infantino told AFP that he was "very reassured" about Mexico's hosting of the World Cup, helping to ease concerns about the safety of the event.

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President Claudia Sheinbaum has also sought to reassure visiting fans, stating that there is "no risk" to them, despite the recent surge in violence.

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Guadalajara is one of the Mexican states most severely affected by drug cartel violence, with a staggering 12,575 people reported missing, many of whom have been kidnapped or killed by armed groups.