New report contradicts Trump admin's explanation for baffling airspace closure

While the FAA blamed Mexican cartel drones after closing the airspace over El Paso, a new report suggests that Department of Defense drones were responsible.

After reopening the airspace on Wednesday, FAA Secretary Sean Duffy pointed to a "cartel drone incursion."

However, sources told Bloomberg that the closure happened because the DOD could not guarantee the safety of aircraft from U.S. drones.

"The FAA made the decision in response to drones that the US Defense Department is flying in the area as part of an operation against Mexican drug cartels, according to people familiar with the matter," Bloomberg reported. "One of the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss non-public information, said the drones are operating outside of normal flight paths and that the FAA is unable to predict where they might be flying."

"While temporary air space closures occur due to military activity, rocket launches or presidential air traffic movements, a broad closure of a major airport for that length of time would have been unusual," the report added.