Lasers down 11 cartel drones along southern border, US military says

U.S. forces have used Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser systems to destroy eleven drones linked to cartel or other illicit activity near the U.S.-Mexico border since the weapons were deployed the previous week. The operations form part of a wider counter-drone effort that has defeated more than 300 aircraft in 2026, including over 100 during August, using both kinetic and non-kinetic means. Officials did not disclose exact engagement locations, manufacturers, or which side of the border the aircraft occupied. Mexico described information-sharing and parallel operations but did not confirm participation in specific interceptions.