MEXICO ACCUSES FORMER US AMBASSADOR KEN SALAZAR OF MISLEADING OFFICIALS OVER CAPTURE OF SINALOA CARTEL LEADER ZAMBADA . (PHOTO).

 Mexico accuses former US Ambassador Ken Salazar of misleading officials over capture of Sinaloa cartel leader Zambada 

Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has accused former U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar of misleading Mexican officials about the circumstances surrounding the 2024 capture of alleged Sinaloa cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.

Authorities allege Salazar violated his diplomatic responsibilities by making false statements when he said U.S. agencies were not involved in the operation that resulted in Zambada’s capture and transfer to U.S. custody in July 2024.

The allegations emerged after reports that the aircraft used in the operation was later displayed at the War Eagles Air Museum in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, where it was presented as part of an FBI operation.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum supported the Attorney General’s Office’s claims, saying Salazar misled the Mexican government by denying U.S. involvement. She said Mexico’s consulate in New Mexico confirmed that the aircraft connected to the operation was displayed at the museum.

Attorney General Ernestina Godoy said Salazar had previously stated that the U.S. government was not involved, that the aircraft and pilot were not American, and that the operation was instead connected to criminal groups.

Mexican authorities also said they had identified the pilot who transported Zambada, though they did not publicly name the individual. Local reports have linked the pilot to Mauro Núñez, also known as “El Jando,” who has been described as a trusted pilot for Los Chapitos, the faction of the Sinaloa cartel associated with the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

Authorities also pointed to the timing between legal benefits received by Ovidio Guzmán López, one of Guzmán’s sons, in the United States and Zambada’s alleged capture in Mexico. Mexican officials argued the events suggested a coordinated arrangement involving Los Chapitos and U.S. agencies, including the FBI.

The allegations have added new tension between Mexico and the United States by accusing a U.S. law enforcement agency of violating Mexican sovereignty and claiming a former ambassador withheld important information.

Officials said that while they believe Salazar may have failed to disclose information, he would not face criminal charges because of diplomatic immunity protections.

Salazar rejected the accusations, maintaining that the operation was not carried out by the United States.

“It was not our plane, not our pilot and not our operation,” Salazar said in a statement.

The dispute comes as excerpts from Salazar’s upcoming memoir, “The Borders: My Fight for an Inclusive United States,” have begun circulating, creating further friction between the former ambassador and Mexican officials.