MEXICO.- The United States ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazarshowed this Tuesday his “surprise” by him request for explanations from the Mexican Prosecutor’s Office al Government in Washington before the capture of the drug trafficker Ismael “el Mayo” Zambadasomething he considered they should “celebrate” both countries as a success.
“I am so surprised that you cannot say victory for the people of Mexico, victory for the United States, result of work that we have carried in the last three years“Salazar responded during a press conference at the new American embassy.
Gertz Manero demands explanations from the US for the “kidnapping” of “El Mayo” Zambada
During the morning of Claudia Sheinbaum, the attorney general, Alejandro Gertz Manerorequested information from the United States about the “kidnapping” of “el Mayo” Zambadawhich occurred on July 25.
“The Government of the United States has informed us of one part but another part is missing that is fundamental. That person who was kidnapped in Culiacán He arrived by plane to a border city in the United States,” Gertz said.
“It was not our plane or our pilot”: Ken Salazar
The attorney general stressed that “the entry of any plane and any person is regulated in accordance with North American law and the vehicle, which in this case is the plane that had its cloned license plates, must be identified and the pilot must be identified fundamentally. ”.
“What happened in Sinaloa on July 25 (alleged kidnapping of “El Mayo” Zambada to be handed over to US authorities) should be celebrated,” declared the US ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, stating that his government did works in coordination with the Mexican authorities… pic.twitter.com/zWSdU5UH5M
— La Silla Rota (@lasillarota) October 29, 2024
Salazar flatly rejected that any US security force or authority was involved in the detention of the Mexican criminal. taken by plane to northern territorysupposedly kidnapped by the son of “Chapo” GuzmánJoaquín Guzmán López.
“No police operation was carried out in Mexico. It was not our plane, nor our pilotnor our people. The pilot was not a contractor, nor a servant of the United States Government, nor a US citizen,” the ambassador stressed.
To demonstrate that there was no lack of communication on the matter, Salazar read and exhibited the letters sent by the US attorney, Merrick Garland, to Gertz, his Mexican counterpart, and by the Secretary of State, Anthony Blinkento the former chancellor Alicia Barcenain which both were informed about progress of the investigation and were congratulated by the success of the operation carried out.
Violence in Sinaloa, shared responsibility
The diplomat also referred to the situation of violence generated in the western state of Sinaloa following the arrest of “el Mayo”, where two factions of the Sinaloa cartel: the supporters of the “Chapitos” (sons of Guzmán Loera) for a one side and those loyal to Zambada on the other, have been engaged in a bitter and bloody fight since August that already has hundreds of deaths.
“We regret the violence, the death of each person. The hundreds who have died both in Sinaloa and Father Marcelo, who was murdered a few days ago in Chiapas. The responsibility lies with society, with the governments as a whole,” stated the North American ambassador.
Read: “El Mayo” Zambada could face the death penalty: US Attorney’s Office
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**Interview with Ken Salazar, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ambassador Salazar. Recently, you expressed surprise regarding the Mexican Prosecutor’s request for explanations concerning the capture of Ismael “el Mayo” Zambada. Could you elaborate on why you believe this should be seen as a success for both nations?
**Ken Salazar:** Thank you for having me. It is indeed surprising to me that instead of celebrating this significant achievement, there is a need for explanations. The capture of “el Mayo” should be viewed as a victory for both the people of Mexico and the United States. It underscores the collaboration we have fostered over the past three years in the fight against organized crime.
**Interviewer:** The Mexican Attorney General, Alejandro Gertz Manero, mentioned that there are still unanswered questions about the circumstances of Zambada’s capture. How do you respond to his comments regarding the need for further clarification?
**Ken Salazar:** I acknowledge Attorney General Gertz’s concerns, but I want to clarify: no U.S. forces were involved in this operation. The confusion stems from a misinterpretation of the events. We have cooperated closely with Mexican authorities, but it was not our plane or pilot involved in the situation. The operation was primarily conducted by Mexican law enforcement.
**Interviewer:** There are allegations that Zambada was “kidnapped” by the son of Joaquín “Chapo” Guzmán before being transferred to U.S. authorities. How do you address these claims?
**Ken Salazar:** It is important to differentiate between facts and speculation. We did not conduct a police operation in Mexico, nor were we complicit in any alleged kidnapping. What happened was a coordinated effort that involved legitimate law enforcement actions. Our engagement has always focused on respecting Mexican sovereignty and enhancing our collective security.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what steps do you believe are necessary moving forward to improve cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico in combating organized crime?
**Ken Salazar:** We must continue to build on our partnership through open communication, intelligence sharing, and joint operations. Celebrating successes, like the capture of “el Mayo,” is essential. It sends a strong message to criminals that both our nations are united in this fight, and we will not tolerate the threats posed by organized crime.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Ambassador Salazar.
**Ken Salazar:** Thank you for the opportunity to clarify these important issues.
