SAN SALVADOR (AP) – The government of Mexico has clarified that there is "no indication" that an airplane intercepted with cocaine had originated from El Salvador. This clarification was outlined in a letter posted by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele on the social media platform X, following a diplomatic conflict between Bukele and Mexican officials.

The situation escalated when Mexico's security chief, Omar García Harfuch, suggested that the plane may have come from El Salvador. This assertion provoked a strong reaction from Bukele, who subsequently recalled El Salvador's ambassador to Mexico and demanded an official correction from the Mexican government. Bukele has built a significant portion of his political popularity on a stringent crackdown on crime.

In response to the allegations, Bukele labeled the claims as "FALSE" in a post on X, providing details about the alleged flight path of the airplane. He emphasized that the three individuals arrested in connection with the airplane were Mexican citizens, not Salvadoran.

After facing backlash, García Harfuch retracted his initial statement, clarifying that while the plane was detected by Mexican authorities as it passed near the Salvadoran capital, the aircraft was located well offshore at the time. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated her intent to avoid engaging in public disputes with Bukele.

On July 11, 2023, Bukele shared a letter—presumably from Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Relations addressed to the Salvadoran Embassy—indicating that there was no solid evidence to support claims that the flight had originated from El Salvador or that any individuals in the country were associated with the incident.

The letter also expressed a desire to resolve any further inquiries on the matter to maintain amicable relations between Mexico and El Salvador. It pledged to promote the exchange of information to prevent similar misunderstandings in the future.

In his response, Bukele acknowledged and appreciated Mexico's clarification. However, El Salvador's presidential office has not confirmed whether the country intends to send its ambassador back to Mexico, indicating that the decision rests with President Bukele.