A wave of disturbing sightings has rocked the East Coast of the United States since mid-November. Dozens of unidentified flying objects, likely advanced technology drones, regularly fly over several American states. These overflights, particularly concentrated around military installations and critical infrastructure, worry the authorities who are struggling to identify their origin.
A growing threat
The phenomenon continues to grow. The FBI has already received more than 5,000 reports through its national hotline. The devices, described as “very sophisticated” by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, demonstrate advanced technical capabilities. In particular, they can “disappear” instantly as soon as they are spotted, considerably complicating their identification.
These mysterious drones are apparently not content with simple flybys. Disturbing reports of sightings near Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, where dozens of aircraft were seen flying at night. Most recently, Stewart International Airport in New York state had to close its runways for an hour due to suspicious drone activity. The situation is sufficiently worrying that New York Governor Kathy Hochul is calling for urgent strengthening of federal oversight.
As usual, Trump offers a balanced solution
Faced with this situation, the reactions of the authorities differ significantly. Donald Trumpon its Truth Social network, affirms that these overflights cannot take place “ without the knowledge of the government ” And recommends the destruction of devices. A solution quickly ruled out by military authorities who fear the potential collateral damage from debris in populated areas.
The confusion intensifies with contradictory statements. Representative Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey discusses A ” mothership » Iranian off the American coast, a claim strongly denied by the Pentagon. John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, tempers this by suggesting that some sightings could simply be conventional aircraft operating legally.
Tension rises internationally
In February 2023, the United States shot down three unidentified objects flying over its territory, shortly after the destruction of a Chinese spy balloon. Most recently, two Chinese nationals were arrested for suspicious activity involving drones near U.S. military installations.
These incidents led to significant legal actions. Yinpiao Zhou, a Chinese citizen residing in California, was arrested before boarding a flight to China, accused of illegally photographing the Vandenberg Space Base. Another Chinese national, Fengyun Shi, received six months in federal prison for photographing classified U.S. Navy ships in Virginia.
Mayors of 21 New Jersey cities sent a joint letter to Governor Murphy, demanding more transparency on these events. Despite ongoing investigations by the FBI and local agencies, answers have been slow in coming, fueling fears of a possible foreign threat.
- Mysterious drones have been flying over several US states since November, including near military installations
- The authorities are divided on the response to be given, between calls for culling and caution in the face of risks
- FBI investigates more than 5,000 reports, while two Chinese nationals were recently arrested for suspicious drone activity
