Mexico says the 2 US federal agents who died were not authorized to participate in any local operations

MEXICO CITY (AP) – Mexico’s government said Saturday that two U.S. federal agents killed recently in a car crash in the country’s northern region were not authorized to participate in operations in Mexico.

The role of two CIA agents returning from the destruction of a clandestine drug lab in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua remains unclear.

Local government officials have said they were part of a convoy when their car went off a ravine last weekend and the vehicle exploded. Two Mexican officers were also killed.

The Americans killed were from the CIA, The Associated Press confirmed earlier this week with a US official and two other people familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence matters.

The CIA declined to comment.

A statement from Mexico’s Ministry of Security said one US agent entered Mexico as a visitor while the other entered on a diplomatic passport.

He also claimed that the Mexican government was not aware of foreign agents operating or planning to participate in an operation on its soil.

The ministry said it is reviewing the case with local authorities and the US Embassy in Mexico.

“Mexican law is clear: it does not allow the participation of foreign agents in operations within national territory,” the ministry said in a statement.

He added: “The Government of Mexico reiterates its willingness to maintain a close, serious and respectful relationship with the Government of the United States for the benefit of the security of both countries.”

Officials from both countries have offered conflicting accounts of the matter, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum admitting on Wednesday that federal forces were involved after Mexico’s government said it had no knowledge of any US operations or involvement.