Mexican authorities announced Saturday that two CIA operatives who perished in a fatal vehicle accident in the nation’s northern territory lacked proper authorization to conduct activities within Mexico’s borders.
The circumstances surrounding the two intelligence officers, who had been traveling back from dismantling an illegal narcotics laboratory in Chihuahua state, continue to raise questions about their mission.
According to regional officials, the agents were traveling in a convoy last weekend when their automobile plunged into a ravine and burst into flames. The incident also claimed the lives of two Mexican law enforcement personnel.
The Associated Press verified earlier this week through a U.S. official and two additional sources with knowledge of the situation that the deceased Americans worked for the Central Intelligence Agency. These individuals requested anonymity when discussing classified intelligence operations.
CIA representatives have refused to provide any statement regarding the incident.
Mexico’s Ministry of Security released information indicating that one American operative had entered the country using visitor status, while the second possessed diplomatic credentials.
The ministry further declared that Mexican leadership had no advance notice of international agents conducting or preparing to execute missions within their sovereign territory.
According to the ministry, officials are examining the situation alongside local law enforcement and the U.S. Embassy located in Mexico.
“Mexican law is clear: it does not permit the participation of foreign agents in operations within the national territory,” the ministry said in a statement.
The statement continued: “The Government of Mexico reiterates its willingness to maintain a close, serious, and respectful relationship with the Government of the United States for the benefit of the security of both countries.”
Representatives from both nations have provided conflicting information about the incident, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledging Wednesday that federal personnel were participating after Mexico’s administration initially claimed no awareness of any mission or American involvement.
