The Mexican government and the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) have denied reports claiming that the U.S. is secretly carrying out assassination operations against drug cartel members in Mexico.
The report, published by CNN, alleged that the CIA had expanded covert activities in Mexico and was involved in operations targeting members of powerful drug trafficking organizations. According to the report, some operations allegedly led to the deaths of suspected cartel figures.
Mexico’s Security Minister, Omar Garcia Harfuch, rejected the claims, stating that Mexico would never allow foreign forces to conduct unilateral military or intelligence operations on its territory without official approval. He described the allegations as false and misleading.
The CIA also issued a statement strongly denying the report, calling it “dangerously inaccurate.” The agency warned that such reports could help criminal organizations spread propaganda and potentially endanger U.S. personnel working in the region.
CNN’s report claimed that one alleged operation involved a car bombing that killed a suspected member of the Sinaloa Cartel identified as Francisco Beltran, also known as “El Payin.” The report suggested the operation was part of a broader covert campaign targeting cartel leadership.
The controversy has renewed debate over the role of the United States in Mexico’s long-running war against drug cartels, especially amid increasing security cooperation between the two neighboring countries.