Mexican Drug Cartels Expand Drone Weapon Use

3 UPDATES · 1 DAY · 12 FEB 2026 — 12 FEB 2026

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Latest · 12 Feb 2026

The FAA lifted the airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, after a brief period following an alleged cartel drone incursion.

What this timeline covers

This event covers the temporary shutdown of airspace over El Paso, Texas, due to concerns about a new military laser-based anti-drone system, including reactions, analyses, and follow-up developments related to this specific occurrence. It excludes other actions by the FAA, Pentagon, or local authorities unless they are direct developments or consequences of this particular airspace closure.

The full story, from the beginning

12Feb

STORY BEGINS — Al Jazeera

Why was El Paso airspace shut down? Drones, security fears and confusion | US-Mexico Border News

The Guardian

The FAA lifted a 10-day airspace closure above El Paso, Texas, after conflicting explanations and public outcry regarding potential drone activity.

LATEST UPDATE — Al Jazeera

The FAA lifted the airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, after a brief period following an alleged cartel drone incursion.

Story concluded