World News
United States and Mexico launch joint initiative countering border cartels' drones
Wired reports defense officials initiated Operation High Eagle to track and neutralize illicit unmanned aircraft.
The short version
- Defense agencies from the US and Mexico launched Operation High Eagle to counter drones operated by criminal groups along the border.[Wired]
- Following an initial tracking phase in late August, an interception phase began September 7 and extends through September 21.[Wired]
- Officials have disabled roughly 300 illicit drones this year, though the specific counter-drone technologies deployed remain publicly unconfirmed.[Wired]
Key facts
- US and Mexican defense agencies initiated Operation High Eagle to combat drones operated by criminal organizations.[Wired]
- The first phase monitored drones between August 31 and September 2 along the San Diego and Tijuana border.[Wired]
- A second operational phase focused on disabling drones began on September 7 and runs through September 21.[Wired]
- US Northern Command reported neutralizing approximately 300 criminal-linked drones during the current year.[Wired]
- US Ambassador Ronald Johnson stated the bilateral cooperation strengthens both nations' capacity to oppose cartels.[Wired]
What remains uncertain
- Mexico's SEDENA has not revealed the exact technology used, and deployment of US laser platforms like Locust remains unconfirmed.[Wired]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.