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EXCLUSIVE – The U.S. military provided rare insight into its operations at the southern border Thursday, revealing that it took down “approximately 100” suspected cartel drones in August alone, a senior War Department official confirmed to .
The disclosure marks the first time the Pentagon has revealed how frequently counter-drone technology, including sophisticated laser systems, is being used at the southern border to stop suspected cartel drones from entering the U.S.
According to a senior War Department official, Task Force–Southern Border carried out the drone takedowns using specialized counter-drone equipment provided and integrated by other military units.
Each operation was planned and closely coordinated with the Mexican military and border authorities to prevent interference or unintended conflicts between forces operating on either side of the border, the official said.
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Army Sgt. Drew Scheffer, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, provides surveillance over the southern border near Santa Teresa, N.M. on April 12. The military has been patrolling the southern border as part of the Trump administration crackdown on illegal migration. (Department of Defense)
The operations are part of a broader effort to rapidly deploy defenses against drones, combining multiple technologies with trained personnel and updated military authorities. The official emphasized that the military is not relying on a single “silver bullet” system to counter the threat.
The Pentagon told that the U.S. has been using counter-drone technology to assist with security operations at the border.
“The United States is employing defensive counter-drone technology to protect our personnel and border security operations from cartel-linked drone threats,” Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said.
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U.S. Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, affix concertina wire to engineer stakes on the barrier along the southern border near San Ysidro, Calif., Mar. 2, 2025. U.S. Northern Command is working together with the Department of Homeland Security to augment U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the southern border with additional military forces. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Dominic Atlas)
“These actions are closely coordinated with Mexican military and border authorities to ensure safety and deconfliction on both sides of the border,” Wilson added.
The revelation comes as the Trump administration continues to use military force against cartels across the Western Hemisphere, including lethal strikes against alleged drug traffickers.
Earlier this week, senior administration officials touted President Donald Trump’s use of military force during a press call.
“So, the president directed, the Department of War executed, the first ever plan and strategy to use direct military force to defend the homeland from this threat,” one official said.
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The U.S. military took down approximately 100 suspected cartel drones at the southern border in August, a senior War Department official told . (iStock)
“The effects have been spectacular, and we’ve seen the largest and steepest reduction in U.S. casualties inflicted by the cartels in American history,” the official added.
Digital’s Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.
