FAA Closes Airspace Over El Paso Due to Cartel Drone Activity
The recent incursion of cartel-operated drones into El Paso’s airspace has led the FAA to implement an unusual national airspace closure, impacting both El Paso and parts of eastern New Mexico. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented on the situation, indicating that the threat from these drones raised serious concerns about cross-border security.
Duffy mentioned that the drone violation was serious enough to warrant emergency measures. However, other federal agencies have not provided details regarding the reasoning behind the immediate declaration of a state of emergency, which was lifted within hours. Inquiries sent to agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Customs and Border Protection have gone unanswered.
In a social media update, Duffy stated, “The FAA and DOW acted quickly to address the cartel’s drone intrusion. The threat has been neutralized, and commercial travel in the area is no longer at risk.”
Following the airspace closure, announced to last for ten days, Duffy confirmed that restrictions have now been lifted and flights have resumed. The FAA has also acknowledged this significant shift in their abnormal announcement regarding the airspace restrictions.
There remains some ambiguity about who initiated the ten-day airspace closure and what specific actions were taken to mitigate the threats posed to flights in the area.
Interestingly, reports from OSINTdefender indicated that multiple cartel-operated drones were indeed seen in U.S. airspace, and the Department of the Army allegedly deployed electronic warfare measures to neutralize one of them.
The FAA’s website lists a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) currently in effect for the Santa Teresa area in New Mexico, indicating a similar situation. This notice, also classifying the airspace as “NTL Defense Airspace,” outlines the legal actions that might be taken against pilots who violate the restrictions, including potential criminal charges and, in extreme cases, the use of lethal force if an aircraft is deemed a security threat.
Reports highlight the ongoing issue surrounding cartel drone usage, but it remains unclear whether the incursion involved weaponized drones, those used for drug trafficking, or surveillance purposes.
