"The sudden and surprising airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday stemmed from the Pentagon's plans to test a laser for use in shooting down drones used by Mexican drug cartels, according to three people familiar with the situation who were granted anonymity to share sensitive details. That caused friction with the Federal Aviation Administration, which wanted to ensure commercial air safety and the two agencies sought to coordinate, according to two of the people."
"Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said earlier that the response by the Defense Department and the FAA to neutralize an incursion by Mexican cartel drones had led to the airspace closure. Drone incursions are not uncommon along the U.S.-Mexico border. Officials at the White House, FAA and Department of Transportation did not respond immediately to requests for comment about the dispute. The Pentagon said it had nothing to add to its statement that largely mirrored Duffy's comment."
The Pentagon planned to test a laser intended to shoot down drones used by Mexican drug cartels, prompting an airspace closure over El Paso, Texas. The FAA sought to ensure commercial air safety and attempted to coordinate with the Pentagon, but the Defense Department pushed to conduct the test ahead of a planned meeting. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy linked the closure to a response to neutralize a cartel drone incursion. Officials at multiple agencies did not immediately comment, and the Pentagon offered no additional statement. Previous investigations exposed poor information sharing between aviation and military agencies.
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