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USNORTHCOM praises Mexico's binational anti-drone border operation
The U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) has publicly recognized the coordinated efforts of Mexican and American authorities to combat the use of drones by criminal organizations along the shared border. This cooperation is centered on 'Operation High Eagle' (also referred to as 'Águila Alta' in Mexico), which targets drones used by cartels to facilitate drug smuggling and human trafficking.
In the Tijuana and San Diego border region, specifically near Mesa de Otay, Mexico has deployed approximately 800 military personnel. These forces are utilizing mobile and semi-fixed anti-drone technology capable of inhibiting devices within a three-kilometer radius. The operation covers a five-kilometer strip along the border, extending 500 meters into each country.
Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo noted that while the operation is underway, there have been no reported results from the Mexican side thus far. President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified that the drones being used in this specific border region are commercial models used for surveillance to monitor law enforcement, rather than armed drones. The current phase of the operation is expected to conclude on September 21, 2026.
Entities
Claudia Sheinbaum · Mexico · Ricardo Trevilla Trejo · Ronald Johnson · Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional · USNORTHCOM · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The operation covers a five-kilometer strip centered on Mesa de Otay. closeup.mx · opiniondelpueblo.com · lanigua.com.mx · laopinion.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] Mexico has deployed approximately 800 military personnel for the anti-drone operation. closeup.mx · opiniondelpueblo.com · lanigua.com.mx · www.noticiaspv.com.mx · www.elbuentono.com.mx · +5 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Operation High Eagle aims to detect and deactivate drones used for drug and human trafficking. closeup.mx · eltiempomx.com · lopezdoriga.com · tribuna.com.mx
- [● 2 SOURCES] The drones used at the border are commercial models, not armed devices. opiniondelpueblo.com · lanigua.com.mx
- [● 7 SOURCES] The anti-drone equipment has an inhibition radius of up to three kilometers. closeup.mx · opiniondelpueblo.com · lanigua.com.mx · www.noticiaspv.com.mx · www.elbuentono.com.mx · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The operation is scheduled to conclude on September 21, 2026. www.noticiaspv.com.mx · laopinion.com
- [● 14 SOURCES] USNORTHCOM praised Mexican authorities for their efforts to counter cartel drone operations. closeup.mx · opiniondelpueblo.com · www.noticiaspv.com.mx · www.acierta.mx · desdepuebla.com · +9 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The 'High Eagle' operation has not yet yielded results on the Mexican side. opiniondelpueblo.com · lanigua.com.mx · www.elbuentono.com.mx · laopinion.com