The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, announced on Sunday that two embassy staff members were killed in what officials are calling an “accident” in Mexico.
“We are profoundly saddened by the loss of two U.S. embassy employees, along with the Director of the Chihuahua State Investigation Agency and an AEI staff member. Their dedication and commitment to tackling one of our time’s most significant challenges deserve recognition. Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones,” Johnson shared in a post.
The ambassador noted that this incident underscores the dangers faced by officials engaged in safeguarding communities.
“This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks that both Mexican and U.S. officials willingly take to protect our communities,” he stated. “We are more determined than ever to continue their duties and uphold our mutual commitment to security and justice.”
Details surrounding the incident are still not entirely clear, including the specifics of what happened and whether the deceased were U.S. citizens.
Mexican authorities reported that several personnel, including a U.S. embassy official, lost their lives after completing an operation aimed at dismantling an illegal drug lab in Morelos state.
Attorney General of the State of Chihuahua, Cesar Jauregui Moreno, expressed condolences for the loss of an AEI employee, as well as two U.S. embassy instructors, who died while returning from the operation to neutralize the secret lab.
According to reports, operations carried out on April 17 and 18 followed a thorough three-month investigation that led to the dismantling of six significant synthetic drug production facilities.
Moreno added in a statement that one of these locations was among the largest of its kind discovered in the country, where methamphetamine and other chemical drugs were produced.
Authorities seized a vast array of industrial equipment, including ovens and chemical precursors, along with a campsite used for housing workers.
The case will be turned over to federal prosecutors, who will pursue legal actions against those involved in the illegal operations.
The state prosecutor’s office identified the AEI director as Mtro. Pedro Roman Oseguera Cervantes and noted that AEI agent Rick Manuel Genaro Méndez Montes also lost his life in the line of duty. “We honor your bravery and commitment to ensuring public safety. Our thoughts remain with your family and friends during this deeply saddening time,” the attorney general’s office stated.
