US denies halting anti-drug cooperation with Mexico: Video

The United States denied on August 16 that its anti-drug cooperation with Mexico had ended following the capture of drug lord Ismael "Mayo" Zambada.

US Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, confirmed that collaboration on security issues is ongoing and dismissed rumours of a halt in cooperation.

Zambada, a key figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, was arrested on July 25 in New Mexico. The arrest followed his arrival on a private plane with the son of Joaquín "Chapo" Guzmán. Questions about the details and trust between the two governments regarding the arrest have arisen.

Zambada claims he was kidnapped and handed over to the US by Joaquín Guzmán López. Both governments deny involvement in such an operation. Mexico has noted previous discussions between Guzmán López and US officials.

Zambada also alleges he was ambushed while travelling to meet Guzmán López, Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha, and Congressman Héctor Cuén. Rocha denies attending the meeting, and Cuén was later killed under uncertain circumstances, raising concerns about drug trafficking and politics in Mexico.

The Mexican Attorney General's Office (FGR) has yet to receive information from the US about the flight or its passengers. The FGR plans to charge the Mexicans allegedly involved in the kidnapping with "treason."