Operating under U.S. Northern Command in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Joint Task Force – Southern Border successfully neutralized three adversarial unmanned aircraft systems during late-night operations on August 25 and 26. Personnel utilized the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser system to defeat the hostile drones, which were actively supporting activities posing a physical threat to security forces along the region. This is reported by DVIDS.
Major General Curtis Taylor, commander of the task force, stated that cartel networks increasingly employ unmanned aircraft to facilitate illicit smuggling and conduct surveillance on personnel and law enforcement partners. He emphasized that the integration of advanced directed-energy capabilities alongside layered countermeasures helps protect forces and disrupt criminal operations, while also acknowledging the cooperative support of Mexican Army partners in securing the border area.
The deployment involves approximately 8,000 service members across 1,954 miles of terrain. Since assuming the mission in March 2025, forces have reinforced border sectors with wire obstacles, conducted detection patrols, executed observation flights, and cleared remote vegetation to enhance situational awareness and accelerate response times against cartel-led illegal activities.
