Key facts
- Drone attacks carrying bombs targeted a Mexican village during the World Cup.
- Locals livestreamed videos showing gunfire and smoke from mountain lookouts.
- Mexican authorities denied the attacks.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum has been working to address criminal violence.
- Mexico deployed 100,000 security forces to World Cup host cities.
- The World Cup portion in Mexico concluded without major security incidents.
Drone attacks carrying bombs struck a Mexican village during the World Cup, with residents accusing authorities of failing to protect them. The attacks occurred in Guerrero, a region known for cartel activity, despite Mexican authorities denying the incidents and increasing security in World Cup host cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.
Locals reported seeing gunfire and smoke from mountain lookouts they had established to monitor cartel movements. One resident, Solorio, stated that while some celebrated soccer goals, others were being "massacred by drones carrying bombs," and urged the government to prioritize protecting citizens over safeguarding the tournament.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has been facing pressure to address endemic criminal violence, particularly as Mexico sought to project an image of security ahead of the World Cup. This effort was compounded by threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to take military action against cartels. Mexico responded by deploying 100,000 security forces to major tournament hubs. The World Cup portion held in Mexico concluded on Sunday without major security incidents, though violence persisted in other parts of the country.