2 U.S. Embassy personnel killed in crash after anti-drug operation in Mexico

Two U.S. Embassy personnel and a Mexican law enforcement official were among four people killed in a crash in northern Mexico while returning from an operation in which methamphetamine labs were seized, according to U.S. and Mexican officials.

The crash happened early Sunday in Chihuahua state after the vehicle went off the road in a mountainous area near Guachochi, a community in Mexico’s so-called Golden Triangle, a major drug-producing region.

The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson said the dead included two U.S. Embassy personnel, who were not immediately identified, as well as the head of Chihuahua state’s investigative police agency and another officer from the agency.

The Chihuahua Prosecutor’s Office said the two U.S. Embassy personnel were instructors taking part in training activities. The group had been in the region after authorities seized properties used to produce methamphetamine.

“We honor their dedication and tireless efforts to confront one of the greatest challenges of our time,” Johnson said. “This tragedy is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by those Mexican and U.S. officials who are dedicated to protecting our communities.”