US says it shot down over 300 cartel drones on Mexico border

The United States said Friday it had shot down more than 300 drones operated by cartels along the Mexican border since the start of 2026, including 100 in August alone.

US Northern Command, which covers the United States and neighbouring countries, linked the drones to the drug trade but did not name any specific group. It did not say on which side of the border the August drones were shot down.

The US military said the devices were used by "transnational criminal organizations" to support illegal cross-border activity, including smuggling operations and surveillance of law-enforcement and military personnel.

Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla claimed the drones were chiefly used by migrant smugglers to find places along the border where authorities were absent.

Drones have also been used in cartel attacks on rival groups or authorities. In October last year, the prosecutor's office in the Mexican border city of Tijuana was attacked by an explosive-laden drone. The attack caused damage but no casualties.