The El Paso International Airport in Texas experienced a temporary closure of its airspace, leading to significant confusion and concerns primarily related to drone activities. Initially, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted flights for security reasons, citing threats from Mexican drug cartel drones, and imposed a ban on all operations. However, just hours later, the FAA lifted the restriction and resumed normal operations, assuring that there were no threats to civilian aviation.

As the situation developed, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the airport's restrictions were due to the potential threat posed by drones affiliated with Mexican drug cartels. This claim was immediately refuted by the Mexican government, with President Claudia Sheinbaum asserting that there was no evidence of drone use at the border. As investigations unfolded, it was revealed by Reuters that the FAA's actions were actually linked to a newly deployed laser-based anti-drone weapon system by the US military at the nearby Fort Bliss base, which raised concerns of danger to commercial flights.

The 20-kilowatt laser system, a cutting-edge technology designed to neutralize aerial threats, had not been previously reported. It highlights the ongoing efforts by the US military to counter drone usage by drug cartels, as corroborated by reports from the New York Times on tests conducted at Fort Bliss. This incident underscores the complexities of communication between military and aviation authorities and the need for clearer protocols when dealing with aviation safety, especially concerning high-stakes national security technology.