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U.S. military uses directed-energy laser to down three cartel drones along southern border

The U.S. military reported using a high-energy laser system to disable three unmanned aircraft conducting hostile surveillance along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Updated Aug 28, 2026 · 05:21 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • The U.S. military's southern border Joint Task Force used an Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser system to shoot down three cartel-operated drones late Tuesday and early Wednesday.
  • U.S. Northern Command deemed the drones hostile for engaging in illicit surveillance and human-smuggling support that threatened military and law enforcement personnel.
  • Military officials declined to disclose the exact location of the incidents or which specific cartels operated the drones, citing operational security.

Key facts

  • The U.S. military used an Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser system to shoot down three drones along the U.S.-Mexico border late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.[CBS News]
  • The counter-drone engagement was carried out by the southern border Joint Task Force, a USNORTHCOM unit comprising roughly 8,000 U.S. service members.[CBS News]
  • USNORTHCOM determined the drones were hostile because they were aiding activities that posed a physical threat to U.S. military personnel and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.[CBS News]
  • Joint Task Force Commander Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor stated that cartel networks are increasingly using unmanned aircraft to facilitate human smuggling and spy on U.S. personnel.[CBS News]

What remains uncertain

  • USNORTHCOM declined to state whether the drones were shot down over U.S. or Mexican airspace, citing operational security.[CBS News]
  • Military officials did not disclose the precise geographical location of the shootdowns or identify which specific cartels owned the drones.[CBS News]

Sources