US military laser downs Mexican cartel drones near border

The U.S. military shot down three cartel-linked drones along the U.S.-Mexico border on Tuesday and Wednesday using a high-energy laser, the military said in a press release.

The incident marks the first time the military has used the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser, or AMP-HEL, system to engage cartel-linked drones on the border, according to U.S. Northern Command. The exact location of the incident was not publicly stated.

Joint Task Force-Southern Border said the drones detected Tuesday and Wednesday posed a physical threat to U.S. personnel and U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel. The force said it conducts detection and monitoring patrols in partnership with the Mexican military.

“Cartel networks are increasingly employing unmanned aircraft systems to facilitate illicit human-smuggling and actively spy on our personnel and law enforcement partners,” said Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Joint Task Force-Southern Border. “We also greatly appreciate the support of our Mexican Army partners as we work together to combat this threat to the border region.”

In April, military and Federal Aviation Administration officials completed a safety assessment of the use of lasers to counter drones along the U.S.-Mexico border. The assessment was prompted after the February unannounced closure of airspace around the El Paso International Airport in Texas. The move led to chaos among local, state and federal government officials who said they received no warning of the closure.

“Following a thorough, data-informed Safety Risk Assessment, we determined that these systems do not present an increased risk to the flying public,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a statement following the safety assessment.

The Pentagon said in a statement it will continue coordinating with the FAA to safely use the laser system and ensure it does not affect civilian aircraft, pilots, navigation equipment or air traffic services.