The White House announced that the drones observed over the northeastern United States are operating "legally and lawfully. " This statement followed increased public concern and calls for transparency, particularly from President-elect Donald Trump, who described the situation as an "alarming mystery. " National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby reassured the public that these drones were likely commercial, hobbyist, or law enforcement types, and that some sightings could have been misidentified aircraft or even stars.
Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder held a press briefing, stating military bases have reported drone incursions but insisted that these occurrences are not rare. He confirmed that these drones are not military-operated. When asked if the U. S. had fully confirmed the identity of these drones, Ryder reiterated that there are no military operations involved.
During the briefing, he acknowledged the public's concerns and highlighted that many federal, state, and local resources are being engaged to investigate the issue thoroughly. Ryder stated that there is currently no evidence suggesting that these drone sightings pose a threat to national security or public safety. He pointed out that flying drones is not illegal in the U. S. and emphasized that, with over one million registered drones, it is not uncommon to see them in the sky.
Ryder provided an analogy comparing the situation with drones to unauthorized vehicles approaching military bases. He explained that while unauthorized vehicles may occasionally enter a base, they are usually turned away without incident. The same applies to drones near military installations, with most presenting no threat to operations.
In the event that drones display threatening behavior, military commanders have the authority to respond appropriately. Ryder clarified that the Department of Defense (DOD) is aware of challenges posed by unmanned aerial systems and has developed a strategy for countering their activities. They are committed to enhancing their defenses and understanding trends related to these systems more deeply.
The briefing concluded with discussions on the limitations of DOD in terms of capabilities for drone detection inside U. S. borders, explaining that there are specific measures they can take if a threat is identified. However, detailed strategies were not disclosed for operational security reasons.
A follow-up question addressed the command authority for potentially shooting down drones posing a threat. Ryder mentioned that while domestic capabilities have restrictions, there are passive and active measures to detect and respond to threats. The DOD strategy aims to defend facilities and counter potential malicious drone activity.
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