Closure of airspace draws attention to crime groups’ high-powered weapons – and may give Trump an excuse to attack

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.

The Federal Aviation Administration reopened the airspace around El Paso International Airport in Texas on Wednesday morning, just hours after it announced a 10-day closure.

The Trump administration's swift reversal has provoked questions about the legitimacy of the foreign drone claims.

Closure of airspace draws attention to crime groups’ high-powered weapons – and may give Trump an excuse to attack

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy declared that "the threat has been neutralized" after the airspace was closed for several hours.

The FAA initially announced a 10-day airspace closure but removed the restriction less than eight hours later.