US Army uses laser to down cartel drones on Texas border

The U.S. Army deployed a laser system to down three drones linked to Mexican drug cartels operating near the Texas-Mexico border, military authorities reported. The operation, which took place over Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, utilized the Army's Advanced Multifunctional High-Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) system.

According to a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), the intercepted drones were classified as a physical threat to military personnel and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. This successful neutralization demonstrates the readiness and technological advantage of the Joint Task Force, stated Major General Curtis Taylor, commander of JTF-South Border.

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

This operation marks a significant milestone as it is the first time the AMP-HEL system has been used to neutralize drones associated with cartels on the southern border. Major General Taylor highlighted that cartels are increasingly employing unmanned aerial systems to facilitate the illicit trafficking of people and to actively spy on military personnel and CBP agents.

The operation also saw the U.S. military acknowledge the support of the Mexican Army, indicating that the government of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was aware of the action. This collaboration comes despite President Sheinbaum's previous statements that any unilateral U.S. action on Mexican soil would constitute a serious violation of the country's sovereignty.

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The cartels increasingly employ unmanned aerial systems to facilitate the illicit trafficking of people and to actively spy on military personnel and CBP agents.