Pentagon Dismisses Claims of Iranian Drones Over New Jersey
The Pentagon has firmly denied allegations made by Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew regarding the presence of Iranian drones flying over New Jersey. Van Drew claimed that these drones were launched from an Iranian 'mother ship' located in the Atlantic Ocean. He stated during an interview with Fox News that he received this information from 'high sources' and insisted that the drones posed a significant threat, urging for them to be shot down.
In response, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh categorically rejected these claims, asserting, 'There is no truth to this, there is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, there is no mothership launching drones toward the United States.' The Pentagon's preliminary assessment indicates that the drones in question are not of foreign or enemy origin.
Recent Drone Sightings in New Jersey
The controversy arises amidst a series of unexplained drone sightings reported across New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy noted that since November 18, there have been numerous reports of drone activity, with 49 sightings recorded on a single Sunday. Notably, some of these sightings occurred near sensitive military installations, including the Picatinny Arsenal, as well as close to President-elect Donald Trump's golf course in Bedminster.
The increase in drone sightings has raised concerns among local officials, although the Pentagon maintains that these incidents do not involve foreign adversaries. The situation is reminiscent of recent drone incursions reported over U.S. air bases in the UK, which have also sparked discussions about national security and airspace violations.
Implications for National Security
The claims made by Congressman Van Drew highlight ongoing tensions regarding national security and the potential for foreign threats. While the Pentagon has dismissed the allegations, the frequency of drone sightings raises questions about airspace security and the need for further investigation into unidentified aerial phenomena. As drone technology becomes more accessible, the implications for both civilian and military airspace management are significant, necessitating a comprehensive approach to address these challenges.
