Mexican and United States officials have denied reports alleging that the Central Intelligence Agency participated in lethal operations against drug cartels on Mexican territory.

The denials came in response to a CNN report that claimed the CIA had been involved in the assassination of a cartel member inside Mexico earlier this year. The report suggested the intelligence agency had taken a direct role in deadly operations targeting organized crime groups.

Mexican authorities rejected the characterization of CIA involvement in such operations within their borders. The denial underscores Mexico's longstanding position regarding foreign military or intelligence operations on its sovereign territory.

U.S. officials also disputed the CNN reporting, denying that the CIA had played a lethal role in the described operation. The United States and Mexico have maintained extensive cooperation in counternarcotics efforts, though the extent and nature of intelligence sharing arrangements are typically not disclosed publicly.

The disputed report touches on sensitive issues surrounding cross-border security cooperation between the two countries. Both nations have worked together on various initiatives to combat drug trafficking organizations, but operations involving potential lethal force raise questions about sovereignty and the scope of bilateral agreements.