Kamal Ghorui
FAA announced a 10-day airspace shutdown around border city El Paso in Texas only to cancel it within hours after confirming that the threat was neutralized. The sudden closure of the airspace led to panic as local officials said they were not aware of anything. The sudden lifting of the shutdown also spread fear about any aviation risk involving Mexico cartel drone. Mexico, on the other hand, denied knowledge about these rapid developments.
Mexican cartel drone breached airspace, disabled
US officials anonymously said Mexican cartel drones breached the airspace and were disabled by the Pentagon. The FAA and the Department of War had to act swiftly to neutralize the cartel drone. The restrictions were lifted and normal flights resumed after it was assessed that there was no threats. But Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum said there was no information about drones on the border – if the United States had information, it could ask the Mexican government. “The Mexican airspace did not close… We will learn what the reasons are for why the airspace closed,” she said.
High-energy, counter-drone laser
CNN reported that a Pentagon plan to use a high-energy, counter-drone laser prompted the unprecedented airspace shutdown over El Paso. But it was not confirmed whether the Pentagon used the new technology or whether there was a test. The new technology is being tested in remote areas of the country and FAA and Pentagon officials are scheduled to meet February 20 to review the impact of this new laser system.
Even Whte House was not informed?
Reports indicated that the airspace closure was FAA’s decision and the aviation administration went ahead even without telling the White House first. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy posted to social media crediting the FAA and Defense Department with acting “swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion.” “The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region,” he wrote on X.
