US CIA Agents Involved in Fatal Crash Were Not Authorized to Operate

Two US federal agents killed in car crash linked to anti-narcotics raid on Mexican territory.

The Mexican government has stated that it is seeking information regarding the incident involving two US citizens who were involved in an anti-narcotics operation on its territory. The two individuals, reportedly CIA officers, were not authorized to participate in operational activities within Mexico’s national territory. According to a statement from Mexico’s security cabinet, one of the US citizens entered the country as a visitor and the other on a diplomatic passport.

The Mexican government has emphasized the need for “absolute respect” for its sovereignty in international cooperation. President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that her government will investigate whether the country’s national security law was violated. The law requires foreign agents to receive federal authorization to operate within the country and cannot work directly with local officials without approval.

The incident has raised questions about the extent of US participation in activities on Mexican soil and whether the country’s government is aware of such operations. Two Mexican officials were also killed in the crash, which occurred last Sunday in the northern state of Chihuahua. The US Ambassador to Mexico described the two individuals as “embassy personnel,” while the attorney general of Chihuahua referred to them as “instructor officers” from the embassy carrying out regular training work.

The incident has sparked concerns about the level of cooperation between the US and Mexico on security issues, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s approach to addressing drug trafficking. The Mexican government has ruled out any US military presence in the country, but has welcomed coordination with the US in areas such as intelligence sharing and technical collaboration.

Source: Al Jazeera