US Pentagon Reportedly Shoots Down Own Drone by Mistake
An alarming incident has occurred at the US-Mexico border. The US Department of Defence (Pentagon) reportedly accidentally shot down a government drone using a high-energy laser anti-drone system.
Following the reports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) immediately implemented flight restrictions around Fort Hancock, Texas, citing “special security” concerns. In an official notice to airmen (NOTAM), the FAA prohibited most aircraft operations in the affected airspace beginning Thursday at 18:30 local time, with restrictions scheduled to remain in effect until 24 June.
However, emergency flights such as air ambulances and search-and-rescue missions may be permitted based on special evaluation. Neither the Pentagon nor the FAA has provided official comment regarding the alleged shooting.
According to Reuters, citing US Congressional staff, the drone that was shot down belonged to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The drone was reportedly unintentionally targeted by the high-energy laser system designed to counter unmanned aircraft threats.
The specific drone model involved and the exact date of the incident remain undisclosed. Several Democratic members of Congress overseeing aviation and domestic security issues have strongly criticised the alleged lack of coordination between military and civilian agencies.
In a joint statement, US Representatives Rick Larsen, Bennie Thompson, and Andre Carson expressed their “shock” at the news. They highlighted the potential risks of deploying advanced anti-drone systems without adequate coordination.
“We were shocked to learn that the Department of Defence reportedly shot down a CBP drone using a high-risk unmanned aircraft defence system,” they stated.
This incident occurred only weeks after a similar controversy in El Paso, Texas, where the FAA temporarily halted airport traffic due to concerns about testing of the same anti-drone system. The object targeted in testing was later identified as merely a party balloon. The restrictions were subsequently lifted after the Pentagon reportedly postponed further testing pending a federal safety review.
The incident is occurring amid heightened security measures at the US southern border. The federal government has expanded surveillance and anti-drone system deployment to counter Mexican drug cartel activities.
Cartel violence has escalated following the reported death of drug kingpin Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, in a joint US-Mexico military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, last week. Unrest has spread across Jalisco and at least eight other states, with social media videos showing vehicles and commercial buildings set on fire.