CHIHUAHUA, Mexico (TNND) — Two U.S. officials were killed in a car crash Sunday while returning from a drug lab destruction operation in northern Mexico.
The deadly incident involved a collision between two vehicles, also resulting in the deaths of two Mexican investigators. Initial reports indicated the U.S. officials were embassy staff; however, the Associated Press later confirmed they were CIA operatives based on information from a U.S. official.
Authorities said the crash occurred shortly after the team completed a mission targeting criminal groups' drug production facilities. Discrepancies have arisen between U.S. and Mexican accounts regarding the circumstances of the operation.
Local officials initially claimed the U.S. officials were engaged in law enforcement activities, but those statements were later retracted following scrutiny. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated she was unaware of the U.S. officials' CIA affiliation but acknowledged collaboration between local authorities and U.S. agencies.
A U.S. Embassy spokesperson has not yet provided further details on the incident. An investigation into the crash is ongoing, with reports indicating possible lane closures and tows in the area.