Mexico To Deploy 100,000 Personnel For World Cup Security

MEXICO CITY, March 7 (Bernama-dpa) -- Co-host nation Mexico has presented its security plan for the FIFA World Cup, just two weeks after outbreaks of violence in the North American country following the killing of a drug lord, German Press Agency (dpa) reported. 

More than 100,000 soldiers, police officers, and private security forces, as well as drones, military aircraft, and explosive detection dogs, are to ensure the smooth running of the tournament in the summer, the Mexican government announced on Friday. 

Mexico is hosting the tournament together with the United States (US) and Canada.

"As you can see, we are well prepared," President Claudia Sheinbaum said at a press conference in the city of Guadalajara, one of the venues. 

According to General Román Villalvazo, head of the World Cup security coordination centre in Mexico, three to four rings of security are to be established at all major World Cup locations, including stadiums, team hotels, airports, and fan zones.

The World Cup opening match is scheduled to take place on June 11 in the Mexican capital. A total of 13 matches are due to be held in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

European champions Spain, Mexico, and South Korea are set to play in Guadalajara.

A wave of violence erupted on February 22 in several Mexican states following the death of the drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, during an operation to arrest him. 

Vehicles were set on fire, and illegal roadblocks were erected. More than 70 people lost their lives. 

The chaos, just a few months before the FIFA World Cup, raised doubts about Mexico's suitability as a host nation. 

The Mexican government assured that the safety of teams and visitors was guaranteed.

-- BERNAMA-dpa