US military uses laser weapon to down cartel drones near Texas border

The U.S. military has deployed a high-energy laser weapon in South Texas, successfully downing three drones belonging to a Mexican drug cartel near the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. officials confirmed the operation took place late Tuesday and early Wednesday.

The specific manufacturer of the laser system was not disclosed by the military. However, Reuters reported that AeroVironment Inc. supplied its first two multipurpose high-energy lasers to the U.S. Army last summer. The military has previously deployed AeroVironment's LOCUST system, which led to a temporary airspace closure near El Paso International Airport earlier this year.

While the military stated the drones posed a "physical threat" to U.S. military and Customs and Border Protection personnel, the exact location of the engagement, whether over U.S. or Mexican territory, remains unclear. This ambiguity has drawn a strong reaction from Mexico.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum asserted that any unilateral U.S. military action on Mexican soil would constitute a "grave violation of her country's sovereignty." This statement underscores the delicate diplomatic balance and potential for friction between the two nations regarding border security and cross-border operations.

General-major Curtis Taylor, commander of Joint Task Force – South Border, noted that "cartel networks are increasingly using unmanned aerial systems to facilitate illegal human smuggling and actively surveil our personnel and law enforcement partners." The deployment of such advanced weaponry reflects the escalating tactics employed by cartels and the U.S. response to counter these threats.