U.S. Army uses laser weapon to down drug cartel drones near Mexico border

The U.S. Army has deployed a laser weapon for the first time to neutralize drones operated by drug traffickers near the Texas-Mexico border. The operation, which took place over Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, saw the debut of the Army's Multi-Purpose High-Energy Laser (AMP-HEL). North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command confirmed the successful interception.

The three drones intercepted were classified as a physical threat to military personnel and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. Major General Curtis Taylor, commander of Joint Task Force-South, stated that the successful neutralization demonstrates the task force's readiness, vigilance, and technological advantage. He noted that cartels increasingly use unmanned aircraft for illicit trafficking and to surveil military and CBP personnel.

Taylor also acknowledged the support of the Mexican Army, indicating that the Mexican government, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, was aware of the operation. This cooperation is significant, as Sheinbaum has previously stated that any unilateral U.S. action on Mexican soil would be a severe violation of sovereignty.

The AMP-HEL system is a directed-energy weapon designed to detect, track, and neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles. Its use on the southern border represents a tactical milestone, offering a precise response without conventional ammunition, thereby reducing collateral risks. The deployment of the AMP-HEL signifies a new era for security forces, potentially expanding its application to other scenarios requiring the neutralization of aerial threats without traditional weaponry.

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The successful neutralization of these hostile drones is a direct proof of the readiness, vigilance, and technological advantage of the Joint Task Force.