Two U.S. Embassy officials were killed in a vehicle crash in Northern Mexico after assisting in the dismantlement of a drug lab.
CBS News reports that the vehicle lost control and went into a ravine. Anti-narcotics agents Pedro Román Oseguera Cervantes and Manuel Genaro Méndez Montes were also killed in the accident.
“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,” said Ambassador Ronald Johnson. “We honor their dedication and tireless efforts to confront one of the greatest challenges of our time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones. 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 crash followed a three-month investigation into six clandestine synthetic drug labs in Morelos.
In September, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente in Mexico City, where the leaders formed an agreement to address drugs, firearms, and migration through the southern border.
“The aim is to work together to dismantle transnational organized crime through enhanced cooperation between our respective national security and law enforcement institutions, and judicial authorities,” the agreement’s text reads. “Additionally, we are working to address the illegal movement of people across the border.”
The cooperation is designed to “strengthen the security along our shared border, halt the trafficking of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and stop arms trafficking.”
