U.S. military uses laser to down three Mexican cartel drones near border
The U.S. military used a high-energy laser to shoot down three Mexican drug cartel drones near the U.S.-Mexico border in southern Texas. The operation, conducted by NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, aimed to counter drones used by cartels for illicit smuggling and spying on personnel. This action aligns with the Trump administration's efforts to clamp down on immigration and cartels, though it raises questions about sovereignty if conducted on Mexican soil.
Why it matters
This event signifies a significant technological advancement in border security and counter-narcotics operations, demonstrating the U.S. military's use of advanced weaponry against non-state actors. It also highlights the evolving nature of border conflicts and raises international sovereignty concerns.
The U.S. military used a laser in southern Texas' Rio Grande Valley to shoot down three Mexican drug cartel drones this week near the U.S.-Mexico border, U.S. officials said on Thursday (August 28, 2026).
The North American Aerospace Defence Command and U.S. Northern Command said in a statement that the operation took place late on Tuesday (August 25) and early on Wednesday (August 26) and used the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser.
The military did not give the precise location of the strikes nor make clear whether it took place over U.S. or Mexican territory. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said any unilateral U.S. action on Mexican soil would be a grave breach of her country's sovereignty.
The military said the drones posed "a physical threat" to U.S. military and U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel.
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