U.S. Military Laser Downs Cartel Drones at Border

The U.S. military successfully used a high-energy laser system to shoot down three drones linked to Mexican drug cartels along the southern border this week, marking the first operational use of such directed-energy technology against cartel-related aerial threats. The operation, conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Border, occurred during the overnight hours of August 26, and into August 27, 2026.

According to a statement from U.S. Northern Command, the autonomous aircraft were identified as hostile and posed a physical threat to U.S. military personnel and Customs and Border Protection agents on the ground. The military utilized the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser, or AMPHEL, to neutralize the drones. The exact location of the shootdowns within the border region was not specified, though sources indicate the action took place in the Texas Rio Grande Valley area.

Major General Curtis Taylor, commander of Joint Task Force Southern Border, stated that the successful defeat of the drones demonstrated the readiness and technological edge of the task force. "Cartel networks are increasingly employing unmanned aircraft systems to facilitate illicit human smuggling and actively...