Photo: PAUL RATJE / AFP / Getty Images
Two U.S. service members died and another remains in critical condition following a vehicle accident near the U.S.-Mexico border in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, on Tuesday (April 15). The accident involved service members deployed as part of Joint Task Force Southern Border, according to a statement from the United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM).
The incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m., marking the first fatalities associated with the military's mission along the border that have been disclosed. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. More than 10,000 active duty service members have been authorized for the border mission, which aims to support border security operations.
Photos taken by Shaun Felice of KTSM show parts of a vehicle on the side of the road as officers canvas the area of the accident.
Officials have not released the identities of the service members involved. The military's presence at the border has been part of ongoing efforts to address security concerns in the region.