The new Arizona site makes the fourth defense area amid ongoing security and trafficking concerns.
The Pentagon announced the creation of a new national defense area (NDA) along 140 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona. This zone will be managed by the U.S. Navy as an extension of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, located near the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range. The NDA will allow military personnel to install barriers, conduct patrols, and detain trespassers for law enforcement.
This area, historically used for military training, has faced ongoing issues with illegal drug trafficking, human smuggling, and environmental damage from frequent border crossings. Reports from the Air Force and Marine Corps highlight incidents of narcotics seizures, repeated breaches in the border wall, and migrant rescues in the harsh desert conditions.
This Arizona zone is the fourth NDA established along the southern border, following a recent designation in South Texas that covers 250 miles along the Rio Grande, which is managed by Joint Base San Antonio. The Pentagon states that these measures are part of a broader border security effort, which currently involves about 8,500 military personnel.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Pentagon officials as they increase the military installation footprint along the U.S. border.
- For wisdom for Secretary Pete Hegseth as he manages the Department of Defense.
Sources: Military Times, MSN, Stars and Stripes, The Hill
