Two officials from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico were in a vehicle crash in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua on Sunday as they were returning from a counternarcotics operation, officials have confirmed. The two U.S. officials were later identified as officers of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
The operation involved the destruction of clandestine laboratories suspected of producing methamphetamine in the municipality of Morelos, in a mountainous area of Chihuahua near the border with Sinaloa state. Mexican authorities, including elements of the armed forces, led the effort to dismantle the labs, which were linked to criminal groups.
The U.S. officials had been participating in support of Chihuahua state authorities’ efforts against cartel operations, initially described by local officials as “instructor officers” engaged in routine training work, according to a report from the Associated Press.
Neither of the CIA officers have been identified, which is consistent with long-standing agency policy. Two Mexican agents, identified as AEI Director Pedro Román Oseguera Cervantes and AEI Agent Manuel Genaro Méndez Montes, were also killed in the incident.
The crash took place as the group returned from the site in the early hours, as they were traveling through difficult terrain in the Sierra Tarahumara region. Chihuahua state authorities reported that the vehicle appeared to have skidded, plunged into the ravine, and caught fire.
Investigators believe that the crash was an accident and have found no evidence of foul play as of this report.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two U.S. Embassy personnel, the Director of Chihuahua’s State Investigation Agency (AEI), and an AEI officer in this accident. We honor their dedication and tireless efforts to confront one of the greatest challenges of our time,” U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson said in a statement. “This tragedy is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by those Mexican and U.S. officials who are dedicated to protecting our communities. It strengthens our resolve to continue their mission and advance our shared commitment to security and justice, to protect our people.”
The U.S. Embassy later stated that the officials were “supporting Chihuahua state authorities’ efforts to combat cartel operations.” The CIA, State Department, and U.S. Embassy have not publicly confirmed the identities or agency affiliation as of this report.
