Sheinbaum contradicts the U.S.: 'There are no reports of cartel drones at the border'
Claudia Sheinbaum stated there are no reports of cartel drones along the border, contradicting U.S. government claims that led to a temporary airspace closure in Texas.
In response to the U.S. government's recent actions regarding airspace closures, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has asserted that there are no reports of cartel drones operating at the border. This statement comes after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shut down operations at the El Paso International Airport, citing "special security reasons," though no further details were provided by the agency. Sheinbaum's comments highlight a divergence in the narrative between U.S. and Mexican authorities concerning security threats posed by drug cartels.
Earlier, sources informed by news agency AP indicated that the closure of the airspace at El Paso was linked to the observed presence of drones operated by Mexican cartels. This information was subsequently confirmed by Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation, who noted that both the FAA and the Department of Defense had acted swiftly in response to the drone incursions. He reassured that the threat had been neutralized and emphasized that there is no danger to commercial travel in the region, which is crucial for local economies that depend on cross-border transportation.
The conflicting responses from Mexican and U.S. officials could reflect ongoing diplomatic tensions and differing assessments of security issues in the border region. Sheinbaumβs denial could be seen as part of broader efforts within the Mexican government to manage perceptions of border security and its effectiveness, especially in response to U.S. concerns about drug-related violence and crime. The situation underscores the complexities of bilateral relations between the two nations as they navigate shared challenges along the border, exacerbated by ongoing crime and trafficking issues.