FAA closes airspace in Fort Hancock, Texas after shooting a drone

The US Federal Aviation Administration barred flights on Thursday in an area around Fort Hancock, Texas, after lawmakers said a military laser-based anti-drone system was believed to have been used by the Pentagon to accidentally shoot ⁠down a U.S. government drone.



The FAA and Pentagon did not immediately comment, but the FAA cited "special security reasons" in its notice about the restrictions on the airspace near the Mexican border.



U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen, Bennie Thompson and Andre Carson, top Democrats on committees overseeing aviation and Homeland Security issues, said in a joint statement the Pentagon reportedly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone, and criticized the lack of coordination.



Congressional aides told Reuters the Pentagon was believed to have used the high-energy laser system to accidentally shoot down the CBP drone near the Mexican border, in an area that often has incursions from Mexican drones used by drug cartels.



CBP and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.