U.S. Military Shoots Down Customs and Border Protection Drone Near Texas Border

In Brief

The U.S. military shot down a Border Patrol drone near Texas, prompting airspace restrictions.

Key Facts

• The U.S. military shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone near the Texas border.
• The incident led to airspace restrictions over El Paso, Texas, according to ABC News.
• A high-powered laser weapon was used to down the drone, according to CBS News and ABC News.
• ABC News reports the drone was mistakenly believed to pose a danger.
• CBS News states this is the second time airspace in Texas has been closed following such an incident.

What Happened

According to multiple sources, the U.S. military shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone near the Texas border using a high-powered laser. ABC News reports the drone was mistakenly identified as a threat, resulting in airspace restrictions over El Paso. CBS News states this is the second closure of Texas airspace following similar incidents.

Why It Matters

The incident has prompted airspace restrictions and raised questions about coordination between military and border agencies. Repeated airspace closures may affect border operations and local aviation, according to CBS News and ABC News.