US forces use laser to down three cartel drones on Mexico border

U.S. military forces successfully neutralized three cartel drones near the border with Mexico using advanced directed energy laser capabilities. The operation, carried out by the Joint Task Force-South Border (JTF-SB) in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), occurred late on August 25 and 26.

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The Joint Task Force-South Border (JTF-SB) (...) in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), successfully defended U.S. military personnel and CBP partners by neutralizing three adversary unmanned aerial systems (UAS) using directed energy laser capabilities this week.

Utilizing the Army's multipurpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) system, the JTF-SB intercepted and disabled the hostile unmanned aerial systems (UAS). These drones were identified as being used in direct support of activities that posed a physical threat to U.S. military personnel and CBP partners. Major General Curtis Taylor, commander of the JTF-SB, stated that the successful neutralization demonstrates the task force's readiness, vigilance, and technological advantage.

"Cartel networks are increasingly employing unmanned aircraft systems to facilitate illicit trafficking of people and actively surveil our personnel and law enforcement partners," Taylor explained. He emphasized the integration of multi-layered countermeasures and advanced directed energy capabilities, making it clear that hostile surveillance will not be tolerated. Taylor also expressed gratitude for the support of the Mexican Army in combating these threats along the border region.

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The successful neutralization of these adversary drones is a testament to the Joint Task Force's (JTF) readiness, vigilance, and technological advantage.

The JTF-SB, comprising approximately 8,000 military personnel, operates in challenging terrain along the 1,954-mile southern border. Since its mission began in March 2025, the task force has reinforced hundreds of miles of the border with wire barriers, conducted tens of thousands of detection and surveillance patrols, and performed thousands of observation flights, often in collaboration with the Mexican military. These efforts aim to enhance CBP's situational awareness, expedite response times, and disrupt illegal activities led by cartels.

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Cartel networks are increasingly employing unmanned aircraft systems to facilitate illicit trafficking of people and actively surveil our personnel and law enforcement partners. By integrating multi-layered countermeasures along with advanced directed energy capabilities, like this laser system, we have made it clear that we will not tolerate hostile surveillance.

Major General Taylor reiterated the commitment to securing the border, protecting military personnel, and dismantling criminal organizations. The use of laser technology represents a significant advancement in the U.S. military's efforts to counter evolving threats posed by transnational criminal groups operating in the border region.

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We are shoulder-to-shoulder with our CBP partners to secure this border, protect our military, and dismantle these criminal organizations at every opportunity.