11.02.2026 22:11
A flying object deemed suspicious was shot down during drone countermeasure tests conducted around Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, Texas. Authorities announced that examinations revealed the object to be a harmless party balloon. Following the incident, the airspace covering El Paso International Airport was temporarily closed to flights.
The U.S. Army shot down an unidentified flying object during counter-drone tests conducted around Fort Bliss military base near El Paso, Texas. However, investigations revealed that the object in question was a harmless party balloon.
The incident caused a temporary closure of FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) airspace over El Paso International Airport.
INTERVENTION DURING MILITARY TESTS
Authorities reported that radar systems detected a suspicious aircraft during the drone defense tests conducted around Fort Bliss. It was stated that the object was intervened and shot down as part of security protocols.
However, subsequent evaluations revealed that the target was not a drone, but an ordinary party balloon.
FAA TEMPORARILY CLOSED AIRSPACE
Following the incident, the FAA implemented temporary flight restrictions in the airspace covering El Paso International Airport. The closure decision led to brief disruptions in civil and commercial flights.
In a statement by the FAA, it was noted that the airspace was reopened after the completion of security assessments.