### Primary Article: “El Mayo” Confirms U.S. Ambassador’s Account of Meeting; Calls for Peace in Sinaloa
Ismael Mario Zambada García, widely known as “El Mayo” and a key figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, confirmed on August 10, 2024, the circumstances surrounding the ambush of Joaquín Guzmán López, also known as “El Güero Moreno,” the son of the infamous cartel leader “El Chapo” Guzmán. This revelation corroborates information previously shared by Keneth Lee Salazar, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.
In a detailed letter released through his attorney Frank Pérez, Zambada refuted claims that he voluntarily surrendered to U.S. authorities. He stressed that there was no agreement with the U.S. government and denied any form of cooperation.
Zambada narrated that Joaquín Guzmán López had approached him to help mediate a conflict between Sinaloa’s political leaders, specifically Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and Héctor Melesio Cuen Ojeda. Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, also known as “El Chapito,” was also expected to attend this supposedly diplomatic engagement.
Upon reaching the venue at Huertos del Pedregal, Zambada recounted encountering armed men dressed in military-like attire, whom he initially mistook for bodyguards. Accompanied by two security agents, José Rosario Heras López (State Judicial Police Commandant) and Rodolfo Chaidez (his longtime security team member), Zambada entered the premises only to be ambushed, restrained, and transported to the United States against his will.
Zambada also confirmed that during the ambush, Cuen Ojeda was murdered. Cuen Ojeda, a political leader and former rector of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa, was reportedly assassinated on July 25, 2024, in Culiacán. Zambada disputed the official account that Cuen was killed during an attempted carjacking, stating instead that the murder was part of the broader attack in which he was kidnapped.
In closing, Zambada issued a plea for peace in Sinaloa, urging residents to refrain from violence, emphasizing that aggression would not resolve ongoing conflicts.
On August 9, Ambassador Salazar stated that Joaquín Guzmán López had voluntarily given himself up, contradicting Zambada’s claims. The U.S. diplomat clarified that no American resources facilitated Zambada’s capture.
**Full Letter from “El Mayo” Zambada:**
[Insert full letter here as per original article]
### Secondary Article: Additional Context on Sinaloa Leadership Disputes and Security Concerns
The political landscape in Sinaloa has been increasingly volatile, with notable tension between Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and other political figures. Recent developments saw the tragic assassination of Héctor Melesio Cuen Ojeda, a prominent political leader, and former rector. Sources suggest that disputes within the state’s political leadership have exacerbated existing conflicts, leading to violent encounters.
In addition to the turmoil among political leaders, ongoing cartel-related activities have continued to pose considerable security challenges. Reports indicate heightened activities in several areas of Sinaloa, contributing to instability and fears among local communities.
Sources confirm that multiple factions within the Sinaloa Cartel are vying for control, thereby compounding local governance issues. This internal strife has resulted in a surge of violence, prompting calls from various sectors, including civic leaders, urging federal intervention to restore peace and order.
For continuous coverage on these developments and more, stay tuned to TJGringo.com.