Airspace closure over El Paso followed Pentagon plan to test lasers against cartel drones

Officials said a Pentagon plan to test a laser intended to target drones linked to Mexican cartels prompted a temporary FAA closure of airspace over El Paso; authorities said the threat was neutralized and flights resumed.

U.S. officials said a temporary closure of airspace over El Paso followed a Pentagon plan to test a laser intended for use against drones tied to Mexican drug cartels. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a 10-day restriction that was lifted a few hours later, and airport operations resumed. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the reported drone threat was neutralized. Local and congressional officials in El Paso said they were not notified in advance. Key details: - The Pentagon planned a laser test aimed at disabling drones reportedly used by Mexican cartels; it was not clear whether the laser was ultimately deployed. - The FAA issued a 10-day temporary flight restriction over El Paso, then lifted it after a few hours and normal flights resumed. - Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said officials "acted swiftly" and the threat was neutralized, without providing operational specifics. - Local leaders and members of Congress, including Rep. Veronica Escobar and El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, said they received no prior notice and sought explanations. - Mexican defence and navy secretaries were scheduled to meet Northern Command officials in Washington to discuss the closure and related concerns. Summary: The airspace closure caused travel disruption at El Paso International Airport and confusion for passengers on both sides of the border. U.S. officials say the drone threat was neutralized and flights have resumed, and U.S. and Mexican defence officials are set to discuss the incident with Northern Command in Washington.