Texas Airspace Closed After Military Drone Incident

FAA restricts flights near Fort Hancock as military laser system downs US drone, citing security concerns.

JUST IN: Texas airspace closed after military reportedly downs US drone on accident

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) barred flights today around Fort Hancock, Texas, after congressional aides told Reuters a military laser-based anti-drone system was believed to have accidentally shot down a US government drone. The FAA and Pentagon did not immediately comment, but the FAA cited “special security reasons” in its NOTAM alert for airspace near the Mexican border.

The restriction took effect at 6:30 p.m. local time today and remains until June 24. Earlier this month, the FAA briefly halted traffic at El Paso airport for 10 days, then lifted the order after about eight hours, after border agents reportedly used a Pentagon-loaned laser anti-drone system to shoot down a party balloon.