CHIHUAHUA, Mexico (TNND) — Two U.S. officials, confirmed to be CIA operatives, were killed in a car crash on Sunday while returning from a drug lab destruction operation, authorities said.
The incident occurred as the officials were traveling back from an assignment in northern Mexico aimed at dismantling drug trafficking operations. The crash also claimed the lives of two Mexican investigators involved in the operation.
Initial reports indicated that the U.S. officials were part of the embassy; however, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson, a former CIA employee, initially confirmed their involvement. The CIA's role was later corroborated by multiple sources, according to the Associated Press.
Conflicting accounts have emerged between U.S. and Mexican authorities regarding the details of the operation and the crash. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed uncertainty about the operation's specifics, stating she was unaware of the collaboration with U.S. officials, despite reports of additional involvement from the Mexican army.
Following scrutiny, local officials clarified previous statements regarding the nature of the U.S. officials' activities at the time of the crash. In a Tuesday press briefing, Sheinbaum acknowledged the cooperative efforts between state and U.S. officials but reiterated her lack of knowledge about the CIA operatives' involvement.
Emergency responders attended the scene, and a full investigation is underway. Details surrounding lane closures and further recovery efforts have not yet been released.