Two CIA officers were killed in a car crash in Mexico's Chihuahua state on Sunday while returning from an antidrug operation, Mexican officials confirmed. The Americans died when their vehicle crashed following a Mexican-led mission to destroy a drug laboratory.

Mexican authorities stated that the two U.S. agents did not have proper permission to operate within Mexican territory. The disclosure raises questions about coordination between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies in cross-border drug enforcement operations.

The incident occurred after Mexican armed forces conducted an operation targeting drug production facilities in Chihuahua state. The two Americans were reportedly accompanying or observing the Mexican-led mission when the fatal crash happened during their return journey.

The deaths highlight ongoing challenges in U.S.-Mexico cooperation on drug enforcement efforts along the border. Mexico has previously expressed concerns about unauthorized U.S. operations on its soil, emphasizing the need for proper diplomatic channels and permissions for such activities.

Neither the CIA nor Mexican officials immediately provided additional details about the specific circumstances of the crash or the nature of the Americans' involvement in the antidrug operation. The incident remains under investigation by Mexican authorities.