Airspace Closure Over El Paso Tied To Pentagon Test

WASHINGTON (AP) — The sudden and surprising airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, stemmed from the Pentagon’s plans to test a laser for use in shooting down drones used by Mexican drug cartels. That’s according to three people familiar with the situation who were granted anonymity to share sensitive details. And two of those people say that caused friction with the Federal Aviation Administration, which wanted to ensure commercial air safety and the two agencies sought to coordinate. Administration officials haven’t immediately responded to that explanation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had said earlier that the response to an incursion by Mexican cartel drones had prompted the airspace closure.