GUADALJARA, MEXICO (AP) — world cup It’s about to begin, with heavily armed police and National Guard troops patrolling the streets. Guadalajara Authorities are trying to reassure visitors and residents that security is safe in a city rocked by cartel violence earlier this year.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, will host four World Cup matches. Korea vs Czech Republic Opening day Thursday. Mexico is also a co-sponsor. tournament with the United States and Canada.
Local officials said visitors had nothing to worry about, despite violence that erupted in February following killings by Mexican troops. The most powerful cartel boss in the country. of Waves of operations and violence Cartel gunmen set fire to cars to block roads and engaged Mexican troops, killing 70 people.
“It’s important to remember that less than 48 hours after what happened in February, the state returned to normalcy,” Alfonso Briseño, Jalisco state’s security coordinator, told The Associated Press ahead of the World Cup. “We invite all tourists, nationals of other countries, especially those who play here in Guadalajara… They are welcome. The Mexican government and the state of Jalisco guarantee their safety.”
Briseño stressed that Jalisco has not faced any recent security problems and that a recurrence is not expected. He said local authorities are ready to respond quickly if something happens again.
Nearly 15,000 security personnel are deployed in the region, including National Guard troops with assault rifles and vehicle-mounted machine guns, near the stadium where the game will be played.
“We feel very safe. We are not worried about the same problems we had a few months ago,” said Rodolfo Valencia, 22, a resident of Guadalajara. “There are more police on the streets and there is a feeling around here that there will be no problems. Having the World Cup here helped, because the authorities had to take action and make sure everything went well.”
Jalisco is its central city. Jalisco New Generation Cartelits leader is Nemesio Oseguera Cervantesor “El Mencho”, was killed in a military capture attempt in February.
Security in Guadalajara is of particular concern for Spain’s match against Uruguay on June 26, when Spain’s King Felipe VI is expected to attend.
Mexico strengthens security nationwide
More than 100,000 soldiers, marines, National Guard and police were expected to be deployed to Mexico’s three host cities (Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey) and major tourist destinations during the World Cup.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday that “the opening ceremony is guaranteed” and that “the World Cup will be enjoyable.”
Anti-drone teams, surveillance camera networks, special crowd control units, military and police patrols will work in coordination with FIFA at stadiums, fan fests, airports, national team camps and other strategic facilities in Mexico during the tournament.
Cartel violence may not be such a problem street protests The attack comes from a group seeking to use the World Cup spotlight to cause riots and traffic chaos, bringing the city center to a standstill.
Protesters recently toppled figurines of World Cup soccer players, broke into government buildings and played soccer games in blocked-off streets.
Teachers and families 130,000 people missing in Mexico Mexican animal rights groups and various other social movements were trying to put pressure on the authorities and make their demands.
The U.S. Embassy on Tuesday reiterated its travel advisory for Americans to reconsider traveling to Jalisco. It also advised visitors to use extreme caution in Mexico City and Nuevo Leon, where Monterrey is located.
Briceño dismissed concerns about regional security.
“We are prepared for any eventuality,” he said in Guadalajara. “We will be the best venue, the most Mexican, the most hospitable and the safest venue.”
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Associated Press writer Maria Bertha in Mexico City contributed to this report.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
