In a surprising turn of events, U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar has provided the first official explanation regarding the mysterious flight that transported two prominent Sinaloa cartel figures to the United States approximately one year ago. The operation, which resulted in the arrests of Joaquín Guzmán, son of the infamous "El Chapo," and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, was reportedly the outcome of internal betrayal within the cartel's ranks.
Salazar clarified that neither the aircraft nor the pilot involved in the operation were American, and no flight plan was filed with U.S. authorities. The plane departed from Mexico's Sinaloa state on July 25, 2023, landing at Santa Teresa, New Mexico, near El Paso. "We were surprised when that happened," Salazar admitted, highlighting the unexpected nature of the event.
The ambassador's revelations come amidst conflicting accounts and limited information from both U.S. and Mexican officials about the high-profile captures. Zambada, considered a legendary figure in the Mexican drug trade, and Guzmán belong to different factions of the Sinaloa cartel, which is accused of being the primary supplier of fentanyl to the United States.
Interestingly, Salazar disclosed that while the younger Guzmán voluntarily surrendered, initial indications suggest that Zambada, aged 76, was brought to the United States "against his will." This statement aligns with claims made by Zambada's lawyer, who asserted that his client was kidnapped by Guzmán and forcibly transported to the U.S.
"There's no cooperation from the United States. What did they do with the pilot? Who was he? And of course, where did the plane take off from?"
The Mexican President's comments reflect the tension and lack of clarity surrounding the operation, with López Obrador expressing frustration over the perceived lack of cooperation from Washington.
Despite these concerns, Salazar emphasized the close partnership between the two nations, stating, "We have always acted with respect for the sovereignty of Mexico. This work as partners, respecting sovereignty, has brought us great results."
The Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico's oldest and most influential drug trafficking syndicates, has been a primary target of law enforcement efforts for decades. Known for its sophisticated smuggling techniques and extensive international operations, the cartel has significantly impacted communities across Mexico and beyond.
As investigations continue, questions remain about the exact circumstances of the arrests and the potential implications for U.S.-Mexico cooperation in combating drug trafficking. The incident highlights the complex dynamics within cartels and the ongoing challenges in the fight against organized crime in the region.