Laser shoots down ‘party balloon’ after Pentagon mistakes it for national security threat

The US Army used a high-energy laser to shoot down what was later identified as a “party balloon,” after initially mistaking it for a potential drug cartel drone near Fort Bliss, Texas.

The incident prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to temporarily ground flights in the area, including operations at El Paso International Airport. According to an official who spoke to Fox News, the object appeared to resemble foreign drones, and the situation provided an opportunity to test new counter-drone technology before it was confirmed to be a balloon.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at the time that the FAA and the Department of War had “acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion.”

“The threat has been neutralised, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region,” he stated. The FAA issued a temporary flight restriction halting all flights to and from El Paso International Airport, as well as neighbouring Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The restriction was effective from February 10 at 11:30pm (MST) until February 20 at 11:30pm (MST).

An official notice warned: “The United States Government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft if it is determined that it poses an imminent security threat.”

El Paso International Airport confirmed the restriction in a statement, saying: “The FAA, on short notice, issued a temporary flight restriction halting all flights to and from El Paso and our neighbouring community, Santa Teresa, NM.

“The restriction prohibits all aircraft operations (including commercial, cargo and general aviation) and is effective from February 10 at 11:30 PM (MST) to February 20 at 11:30PM (MST).

“Airport staff has reached out to the FAA, and we are awaiting additional guidance. In the meantime, commercial airlines operating out of El Paso are being informed of the restriction, which appears to be security-related.

“Travellers are encouraged to contact their airlines to get the latest information on their flight status.”

Authorities have previously expressed concern that drug cartels are increasingly using drones to strike rival compounds, drop explosives and monitor border patrol operations. The US government is believed to be strengthening counter-drone defences amid fears that such devices are also being used to transport narcotics across the border.

In mid-January, the FAA advised airlines to exercise caution when flying over Mexico, Central America and parts of South America due to potential military activity. That advisory was lifted last week after President Donald Trump said the United States wanted flights to resume to Venezuela.

Tensions in the region have intensified following a large-scale US military buildup in the southern Caribbean and a reported operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The FAA subsequently restricted flights across parts of the Caribbean, leading to hundreds of cancellations by major airlines.