Drones in New Jersey, America are legal but raise political uproar
US services confirm that the drones observed in New Jersey are legal civilian and commercial objects. The spokesperson for the US National Security Council, John Kirby, addressed allegations of information being concealed.
Recently, drone activity has increased in New Jersey and surrounding areas, leading to numerous speculations and concerns. During an online briefing on Monday, the US National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, explained that, according to US services, these are hobby, commercial, and police drones operating fully legally.
Kirby emphasised that this assessment is based on analysing over 5,000 reports, of which fewer than 100 were deemed to require further investigation. The first reports of drones appeared on 18 November, when they were noticed over military installations. In the following weeks, the topic gained significance, sparking the interest of residents and politicians.
Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew from New Jersey suggested that the drones might be Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump accused the government of hiding information and cancelled his travel to New Jersey. Kirby noted that over one million private drones are registered in the US, and thousands of such devices are airborne daily.
reaction to Trump's criticism
During the briefing, Kirby also addressed Trump's criticism regarding the decision to allow Ukraine to use American ATACMS missiles against Russia. Trump called this decision "stupid" and expressed dissatisfaction with not being involved in making it. Kirby explained that this decision was made before the elections and was a response to North Korea's involvement in the conflict.
Kirby stressed that post-election discussions were held with the new team about national security issues, including the war in Ukraine. He also noted that the principle "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" applies as long as the current administration is in power.
