Despite widespread concerns about mass drone sightings across the US, the Joe Biden administration has been largely silent on the issue. However, outgoing Department of Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has addressed the issue finally.
Mayorkas suggested that a new rule by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is likely the reason for sudden increase in the number of drone sightings.
He claimed that FAA amended a rule in September 2023, allowing drones to fly at night provided they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least three miles. He cited this rule as one of the reasons for the mysterious sightings.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby earlier said the government has not been able ot corroborate any of the reported visual sightings, saying many of the drones are manually operated manned aircraft.
Phil Murphy, the governor of New Jersey where most of the drones were spotted, urged President Biden to direct more resources toward understanding what is behind the increased sightings of drones.
Murphy said though public safety is not at risk, it is frustrating to not have more answers.
Wright-Patterson, a critical Air Force base in Ohio, was shut down on Friday-Saturday night for four hours after drones were spotted. The air base also houses Air Force Material Command and the National Air and Space Intelligence Centre.
Stewart International Airport in New York's Orange County also saw its runways closed following drone sightings. In New York City, drones were spotted in the Bronz on December 12.
The first mysterious drone sighting was reported in New Jersey on November 18. Later, sightings were reported in the military research facility, Picatinny Arsenal, in New Jersey. Donald Trump's golf course in New Jersey's Bedminster also saw a drone flight.
Other mysterious sightings inlcude military facilities in Virginia as well as near Logan International Airport in Boston.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed on Sunday that in many cases manned aircraft were mistaken for drones and dismissed any foreign involvement. FBI officials said there has been a "slight overreaction".