FAA closes airspace in Fort Hancock, Texas after reported use of anti-drone laser

WASHINGTON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration barred flights on Thursday in an area around Fort Hancock, Texas, after congressional aides told Reuters a military laser-based anti-drone system was believed to have accidentally shot down a U.S. government drone.

The FAA and Pentagon did not immediately comment but the FAA cited "special security reasons" its notice about the restrictions on the airspace near the Mexican border.

This month, the FAA said it was halting traffic for 10 days at the airport in El Paso, Texas, only to reverse course and lift its order after about eight hours.

Reuters and other media reported that closure stemmed from concerns about the use of the laser-based anti-drone system.