CHIHUAHUA, Mexico (TNND) — Two U.S. officials, both confirmed to be CIA operatives, were killed in a car crash on Sunday while returning from a drug lab destruction operation in northern Mexico.
Authorities reported that the crash occurred around 2:41 p.m., resulting in the deaths of the two Americans and two Mexican investigators. The officials were involved in an effort to dismantle drug operations linked to criminal groups in the region.
Initial reports inaccurately classified the victims as members of the U.S. embassy. U.S. Ambassador Ron Johnson, a former CIA employee, had initially provided that information. However, discrepancies have surfaced, leading to confusion over the nature of the operation.
The CIA's involvement was confirmed by three sources familiar with the incident on Tuesday, following days of conflicting statements from both U.S. and Mexican authorities regarding the officials' roles.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described the joint efforts but later stated she was unaware of the U.S. officials' CIA affiliation. Sheinbaum's comments came after local officials amended earlier statements regarding the operation's details under public scrutiny.
Emergency services responded to the crash scene, and investigations are ongoing. No further details about the road conditions or possible lane closures were provided.