Two U.S. Embassy personnel and two Mexican officials died in a car accident in northern Mexico's Chihuahua state on Sunday. The victims had participated in an operation targeting drug labs in a cartel stronghold. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson expressed condolences, highlighting the risks they faced.
Four officials perished in a vehicle crash in Chihuahua, a northern Mexican state bordering southwest Texas, as reported by the El Paso Times. The incident occurred just after a high-risk operation to locate and destroy drug labs in the area. Chihuahua State authorities identified the Mexican victims as State Investigations Agency Director Pedro Román Oseguera Cervantes and officer Manuel Genaro Méndez Montes. The two U.S. Embassy officials remain unnamed publicly. U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson posted on X: “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. 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.” He added: “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 Chihuahua State police's announcement on Saturday of two large methamphetamine labs discovered near Morelos in the state's southern mountains, located using drones.