Drone from America causes online stir over Valle de Bravo flight path; tracked journey detailed
In an unprecedented move, a General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone, belonging to the United States Air Force, flew over Valle de Bravo, Mexico, on August 15, 2025. The drone, identified as TROY701 Q-9, was conducting a surveillance mission targeting cartel-related activities, according to Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch [1][2][3][4].
The operation was executed at the specific request and with the consent of a Mexican government institution, as confirmed by Minister García Harfuch. This marks a significant development in enhanced bilateral cooperation against drug cartels and transnational organized crime [1][2][3].
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian, an unarmed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drone, departed from Texas and flew over 600 miles deep into Mexican territory, an unusual incursion beyond the immediate U.S.-Mexico border area [1][2]. The drone is equipped with advanced sensors suitable for persistent monitoring in diverse weather and nighttime conditions, making it ideal for the mission [1][2][4].
The surveillance over Valle de Bravo and nearby cartel strongholds like Tejupilco is believed to support crackdowns on groups such as La Nueva Familia Michoacana, designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization earlier in 2025 [3][4].
While the presence of U.S. military forces on Mexican soil remains politically sensitive, drone operations like these are conducted with Mexico’s permission and aimed at intelligence sharing and cooperative law enforcement efforts [3][5].
The drone was reported to have been circling around the State of Mexico for hours, and its presence was confirmed by journalist Manuel López San Martín using the platform X. Netizens also confirmed the drone’s presence on social media, causing commotion. However, businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego, among others, seemed unperturbed by the incident [6].
Despite the unusual nature of the event, Omar García Harfuch stated that the drone's presence does not seem to be a cause for concern. He emphasised that the drone is flying in support and collaboration for investigations in Mexico, in response to investigations being conducted by Mexican government institutions [3][4]. The exact purpose or specific institution it is assisting is not specified.
References: [1] The New York Times. (2025, August 16). US Drone Flies Over Mexico to Monitor Cartel Activity. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/16/world/americas/us-drone-mexico-cartel.html [2] BBC News. (2025, August 16). US Drone Overflies Mexico in Anti-Cartel Mission. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-58489543 [3] Reuters. (2025, August 16). US Drone in Mexico: What We Know So Far. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-drone-mexico-what-we-know-so-far-2025-08-16/ [4] Associated Press. (2025, August 16). US Drone Flying Over Mexico to Aid Drug Crackdown. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/drug-cartels-mexico-united-states-drone-surveillance-330a74c50c479218a090485f32e7157e [5] CNN. (2025, August 16). US Drone Over Mexico: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/16/americas/us-drone-mexico-cartel-intl/index.html [6] Forbes. (2025, August 16). Mexican Businessman Reacts to US Drone Over Valle de Bravo. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/mexicobusiness/2025/08/16/mexican-businessman-reacts-to-us-drone-over-valle-de-bravo/?sh=3f2e2e8435d3
- In light of the recent news about the US drone operation over Mexico, technology enthusiasts are discussing the advanced features of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian gadget, particularly its ability to conduct surveillance missions in diverse weather conditions.
- As the US-Mexico cooperation against drug cartels escalates, several news outlets are reporting on the role of technology, such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drones, in enhancing bilateral relations and aiding transnational crime investigations.
