The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City issued shelter-in-place orders for American citizens across five Mexican states following the deaths of two embassy personnel during an anti-drug operation.
The incident occurred as Mexican and U.S. officials returned from a weekend operation targeting illegal drug laboratories in Morelos state. Ambassador Ronald Johnson confirmed the deaths and said the tragedy underscores the dangers faced by those working to combat organized crime.
What Happened
Mexican authorities said several officers, including two U.S. Embassy instructors, died in an accident while returning from an operation to destroy clandestine drug manufacturing facilities. The State Attorney General’s Office in Chihuahua did not provide specifics about how the accident occurred.
The operation itself yielded significant results, with authorities seizing what officials described as one of the largest illegal drug labs found in the country. Authorities confiscated industrial equipment, thousands of liters of chemical precursors used in methamphetamine production, and a worker housing camp.
The Advisory
The U.S. Embassy advised American citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León states to remain indoors and avoid crowds. Travelers and residents were instructed to minimize movement until security conditions improve.
The advisory comes after similar warnings issued last month following cartel violence that erupted in response to the death of a major drug trafficking organization leader. Witnesses in Puerto Vallarta reported scenes of burned businesses and armed groups blocking movement through the city.
