WASHINGTON: The US military shot down a US government drone with a laser-based anti-drone system, an accident that prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to bar flights on Thursday in an area around Fort Hancock, Texas, congressional aides told Reuters. The Pentagon did not immediately comment, but the FAA cited “special security reasons” in its notice about the restrictions on the airspace near the Mexican border.

Just over two weeks ago, the FAA shut down the El Paso airport and the surrounding area after another use of an anti-drone laser.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) barred flights on Thursday after an anti-drone system was believed to accidentally shoot a U.S. government drone.