The US Department of Defense recently lifted an order to restrict airspace over El Paso, Texas, following the neutralization of drones reportedly involved in an incursion across the US-Mexico border.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the threat had been neutralized, reassured the public that there were no dangers to commercial air travel in the area.
Initially, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a shutdown notice, halting all flights at El Paso International Airport until February 20, leading to confusion among residents and local leaders.
After the swift lifting of the restrictions, El Paso was able to resume normal flight operations. However, city officials, including El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, were left in the dark regarding the sudden closure, stating they received no advance notice.
Mayor Johnson remarked on the panic the announcement caused in the community, emphasizing that crucial medical flights were diverted as a result of the closure.
The FAA noted that airspace restrictions of this magnitude are uncommon, with the restriction previously covering a 10-mile radius around the area, affecting parts of southern New Mexico as well.
Experts suggest that the drone activity might be tied to cartel surveillance operations, reflecting ongoing issues with cartel utilization of drones on both sides of the border.
While drones have been used by cartels for various operations, including dropping explosives and human smuggling, local authorities expressed a need for better communication from federal agencies regarding airspace management and safety requirements.
