FAA Closure Of Airspace Over El Paso Believed To be Tied To Use Of Technology To Counter Cartel Drones: Report

The Federal Aviation Administration's order to closure of the airspace over El Paso and parts of New Mexico is believed to be tied to the use of technology to counter drones being used by cartels at the southern border, according to a new report published by Reuters.

The FAA issued the order on February 10, saying it will continue for about 10 days. It also informed that the U.S. government "may use deadly force" against aircraft that doesn't comply with its order.

Pilots who don't adhere "MAY BE INTERCEPTED, DETAINED AND INTERVIEWED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT/SECURITY PERSONNEL," reads a passage of the statement issued by the FAA. It added that the government may use deadly force if "DETERMINED THAT THE AIRCRAFT POSES AN IMMINENT SECURITY THREAT."

Should the development effectively be connected to the mentioned cause, it would follow warnings about increased use of drones by criminal organizations. As a result, the U.S. and Mexico said they would step up cooperation to deal with the matter.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in December that the issue was discussed during a meeting of the U.S.-Mexico Security Implementation Group (SIG) in Mexico City last month.

"(They asked) what Mexico is doing, what is it that we know. These are discussions that contribute to strengthen security on both sides of the border," Sheinbaum added. The governments reportedly agreed to link intelligence analytics software to identify threats.

"It is important to them, but not because of a specific case. We have not detected this on the border, but it is important to the United States and it is part of the communication we have," Sheinbaum said.

However, the order has no recent precedent. Robert Moore, founder and CEO of El Paso Matters, told CNN "we've never since anything like this here at least since 9/11, when everything was grounded." The outlet also cited an air-traffic controller who could be heard telling flight crews that "not even medevac are allowed to fly."

The El Paso city government reacted with a statement, saying the FAA issued the order "on short notice."

"Airport staff has reached out to the FAA, and we are pending additional guidance. In the meanwhile, commercial airlines operating out of El Paso are being informed of the restriction, which appears to be security related. Travelers are encouraged to contact their airlines to get the latest information on their flight status," it adds.

The restricted airspace doesn't go into Mexico, the FAA clarified. Agency spokespeople told NBC News that they could not comment beyond the NOTAM already issued.

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