U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar has expressed his “surprise” at Mexico’s lack of enthusiasm over the recent arrest of Sinaloa cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
The ambassador appears perplexed that instead of celebrating, Mexican officials continue to demand answers about potential U.S. involvement in his capture on Mexican soil.
The 76-year-old Zambada was apprehended by U.S. authorities at an airfield in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, along with Joaquín Guzmán López, son of cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. Initial reports suggested that Guzmán López had deceived Zambada into boarding a small plane with him, only to double-cross him by flying to the New Mexico airport. However, Zambada has claimed he was ambushed, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed by six men in military uniforms.
Though information is scarce, it appears likely that El Chapo’s son cut a deal with U.S. authorities to deliver Zambada, possibly in exchange for a plea bargain.
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