Bukele recalls ambassador amid drug flight dispute with Mexico

In El Salvador, a diplomatic conflict arose when President Nayib Bukele recalled his ambassador to Mexico in response to comments made by Mexico's Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch regarding an intercepted drug flight. Harfuch suggested that the plane, which carried 943 pounds of cocaine, had originated from El Salvador. Bukele vehemently denied these claims, labeling them as 'FALSE' and asserting that the three individuals arrested in connection to the plane were Mexican citizens. He expressed that El Salvador does not support crime or drug trafficking and promised that the country would not tolerate it now or in the future. Bukele indicated that he has tracking data showing the plane did not enter Salvadoran airspace, urging the Mexican government to clarify Harfuch’s statements. The situation escalated, leading to a need for diplomatic clarification from Mexico. Following public pressure, Mexico's Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that there was 'no indication' that the airplane had come from El Salvador, easing tensions between the two nations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also opted to avoid deepening disputes and expressed hope for maintaining good relations going forward. Both countries are striving to ensure better communication to prevent similar incidents in the future, with El Salvador's presidential office yet to confirm if the ambassador would return to Mexico.