Two US service members are in “critical condition” following fatalities and a third is involved in a traffic incident near the US-Mexico border, according to a statement issued Tuesday evening.
The incident took place at approximately 8:50am local time on Tuesday, close to Santa Teresa, North Meta, as per the Southern Border joint task force. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. The military has not revealed the identities of those involved.
The military’s Northern Command mentioned that three service members were assigned to assist the Southern Border’s joint task force. This support aligns with the management of the Southern Border Mission initiated on March 14th.
Service members were moved to the region following President Trump’s executive directive aimed at “shielding American citizens from invasion.”
Earlier in March, the Pentagon announced plans to dispatch over 5,000 troops to the US-Mexico border. A Striker Brigade Combat Team alongside a general support air battalion were deployed, as outlined by the Department of Defense at that time.
The incident occurred near the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station on Highway 9 at KTSM’s Mile Marker 115, as reported.
The three service members involved in the incident were Marines, and the New York Times reports referencing a US military official who requested to remain anonymous. The inquiry reached out to the Marines for further comments.
