World Cup security scare as Mexican military downs drone near South Korea training camp

• The Mexican military intercepted and neutralised an unregistered drone flying near the South Korean national football team's training camp in Mexico, ahead of their World Cup match against co-host Mexico.
• Federal officials confirmed that specialist equipment was used to detect and bring down the drone, though it remains unclear if its purpose was to spy on South Korea's training sessions .
• South Korea's coach, Hong Myung-bo, described the incident as “unfortunate” but noted it occurred before tactical practice, thus not significantly impacting the team's preparations.
• This event is part of a wider issue, with several drones having been neutralised around World Cup stadiums and team base camps in Mexico as authorities implement a comprehensive security operation known as “Plan Kukulkán”.
• The incident draws parallels to a 2024 spying scandal at the Paris Olympics, where the Canadian women’s national team was accused of using a drone to observe an opponent's training, resulting in suspensions and penalties.

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Mexican military brings down drone near South Korean training camp in ‘unfortunate’ incident