Mysterious Drones Spotted Over New Jersey and Other States
Mysterious drone sightings continue to puzzle residents in several US states. US authorities reassure the public that drones do not pose a threat to national security. Temporary flight restrictions imposed in sensitive areas following multiple drone sightings.
Despite ongoing investigations, US authorities have not been able to provide definitive answers, reassuring the public that the drones are not considered a threat to national security or public safety.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently confirmed that the sightings involved drones as well as manned aircraft often mistaken for drones. He also stated that there is no indication of foreign involvement related to the unmanned aerial vehicles, addressing growing concerns among lawmakers about the lack of transparency in handling the drone reports.
Reports of drone sightings have been widespread, with numerous sightings in New Jersey since mid-November and additional sightings in other states in the US northeast. Temporary flight restrictions have been put in place by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over sensitive areas like Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, where some of the drones were spotted.
Other states where drone sightings have been reported include New York City, New York State, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Additionally, drones were also sighted over US airbases in the UK and near the Ramstein US military airbase in Germany, raising questions about the origin and purpose of these mysterious flying objects.
Officials from various US agencies have stated that there is currently no evidence of any threat to public safety posed by the drones. Despite concerns raised by some lawmakers, the FBI and homeland security department have emphasised that there is no indication of foreign involvement in the drone sightings, and investigations are ongoing to determine the nature of these incidents.
New Jersey assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as being up to 6ft in diameter, operating in a coordinated manner, and able to avoid detection by traditional methods. Secretary Mayorkas suggested that changes in federal law allowing night-time drone flights could be a contributing factor to the increased sightings, especially during the hours from dawn to dusk.
The origin of the drones remains a mystery, with speculations ranging from an Iranian "mothership" in the Atlantic to potential involvement from China. However, the Pentagon, White House, and homeland security department have all denied any foreign origin for the drones. In a separate incident, a Chinese national was arrested for flying a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, though it is not believed to be connected to the east coast drone reports.
As concerns grow over the drone sightings, President-elect Donald Trump has called for immediate action, suggesting that the government should address the issue promptly. However, authorities have cautioned against shooting down drones, highlighting the legal implications and potential dangers of such actions. Efforts are being made to address the situation, with calls for stricter regulations and laws to manage drone activities effectively.
Mysterious drone sightings continue to puzzle residents in several US states
US authorities reassure the public that drones do not pose a threat to national security
Temporary flight restrictions imposed in sensitive areas following multiple drone sightings
Source: BBC