According to Reuters, citing unnamed congressional aides, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily barred flights over Fort Hancock and nearby areas after a military counter-UAS system accidentally shot down a government drone.

The aircraft, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, was flying in a region experiencing increased cartel drone activity along the U.S.–Mexico border. The FAA said the incident did not affect commercial air traffic.

Officials noted this was not the first case in which laser-based counter-drone systems near the border—or at related training ranges—engaged friendly or non-threatening aerial objects. Lawmakers are continuing to call for stronger coordination between the military, CBP, and the FAA to reduce the risk of similar incidents.