High-energy laser attacks Mexican drug cartel drones? What happened in U.S. airspace during El Paso’s 8-hour shutdown

The FAA announced a 10-day closure of airspace around the Texas border city of El Paso, but lifted it within hours after confirming the threat had been eliminated. The sudden closure of airspace sparked panic and local officials said they knew nothing about it. The sudden lifting of the blockade also raised concerns about any aviation risks involving Mexican cartel drones. Mexico, on the other hand, denies knowledge of these rapid developments.

Mexican cartel drones Airspace violation, prohibited

U.S. officials said on condition of anonymity that a Mexican cartel drone violated airspace and was intercepted by the Pentagon. The FAA and the Department of the Army must act quickly to eliminate the cartel drones. After it was assessed that no threat existed, restrictions were lifted and normal flights resumed. But Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum said there was no information about drones at the border — and if the U.S. had information, it could ask the Mexican government. “Mexico’s airspace is not closed… We will find out why the airspace is closed,” she said.

High energy anti-drone laser

CNN reported that the Pentagon planned to use high-powered anti-drone lasers, leading to an unprecedented closure of the airspace over El Paso. But it’s unclear whether the Pentagon is using the new technology, and it hasn’t been tested. The new technology is being tested in remote areas of the country, and FAA and Pentagon officials plan to meet on February 20 to review the impact of the new laser system.

Didn’t even the White House notify?

According to reports, the decision to close the airspace was made by the FAA, which made the decision on its own without notifying the White House in advance. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised the FAA and Department of Defense for their “quick action to address cartel drone intrusions” in a social media post. “The threat has been neutralized and there is no danger to commercial travel in the area,” he wrote on X.