Cartel members were seen laughing after the match National Guard A helicopter carrying three soldiers and a Border Patrol agent crashes near the southern Texas border.
Video footage from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials obtained by Fox News showed cartel members watching as National Guard helicopters swooped to the ground with their drones.
After the devastating clash, cartel members could be heard laughing.
Multiple deaths reported after National Guard helicopter crashes near Texas’ southern border
Cartel members witnessed a National Guard helicopter crash with a drone. (Fox News)
Disturbing footage showed the moment the helicopter crashed and cartel members running through a field in La Grulla, Texas.
“Go to him-” cartel members can be heard shouting in Spanish.
According to CBP officials, cartel activity is common in the La Grulla area, as is drug and human smuggling.
The helicopter was spotted plummeting and crashing.
The New York National Guard’s UH-72 “Lakota” helicopter was carrying three soldiers and a Border Patrol agent when it crashed.
Three National Guard soldiers and one Border Patrol agent were on a border support mission when the helicopter crashed, according to a Northern Joint Task Force press release.
The crash occurred around 2:50 p.m. MST Friday as soldiers and CBP agents were conducting an air operation near the city of Rio Grande, Texas, authorities said.
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Authorities confirmed that two soldiers and a Border Patrol agent were killed in the incident.
A third soldier was injured, authorities confirmed.
The Northern Joint Task Force said the names of the deceased would not be released until next of kin are notified.
A National Guard helicopter seen after crashing in La Grulla, Texas, on Friday.
The cause of the accident is under investigation, authorities said.
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Fox News Digital reached out to the Starr County Sheriff’s Office, National Guard, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
FOX News’ Luis Casiano contributed to this report.
