The World Cup is facing fresh turmoil after cartel violence erupted in Mexico, prompting the Canadian government to urge people not to visit its co-host for the soccer showpiece.
Millions of fans from around the world will descend on the US, Mexico and Canada for this summer’s tournament.
Mexico is slated to host 13 games across three cities – Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey – including the curtain raiser in Mexico City on June 11.
But just months out from the tournament, chaos broke out on Sunday after notorious drug lord Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes was killed.
The Mexican Army entered the town of Tapalpa and took out ‘El Mencho,’ high-ranking officials told local publications.
Oseguera Cervantes was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels that plays a key role in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the US.
Chaos has erupted throughout the Mexican state of Jalisco, leaving some tourists stranded
Violence broke out after drug lord Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes was killed
Donald Trump is pictured alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the World Cup draw
His death has sparked violent retaliation and, amid the chaos, Global Affairs Canada has urged people to ‘avoid non-essential travel’ to dozens of areas in Mexico ‘due to high levels of violence and organized crime.’
The US State Department, meanwhile, has told Americans to shelter in place, with some tourists reportedly trapped after heading south of the border.
It’s said that in the states of Jalisco, Guerrero and Michoacan, there have been explosions and shootouts between the cartels and security forces.
Criminal groups have reportedly set up roadblocks using burning vehicles in several cities across south west Mexico.
The terrifying violence has broken out barely 100 days before Mexico City hosts the opening game of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa.
This will be the biggest World Cup in history, with 48 teams competing over 104 games between June 11 and July 19. But the tournament has been dogged by concerns over ticket prices, fan visas, travel bans and immigration enforcement.
