US President-elect Donald Trump has demanded that mysterious drones spotted across multiple American states should be shot down, amid growing concerns over unexplained aerial activity.
In an ominous post on Truth Social, Trump issued an ominous warning to Joe Biden, criticising his administration's handling of the situation.
Trump wrote: "Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government's knowledge. I don't think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!"
The demand has come as reports of "SUV-sized" crafts have spread across several northeastern states since mid-November.
US President-elect Donald Trump sent an ominous message to Joe Biden's administration
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The initial sightings were reported near the US Army's Picatinny Arsenal and Trump's golf course in New Jersey, raising immediate concerns about potential surveillance activities, and have since been spotted across New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
In New Jersey, witnesses report the drones often appear in groups and can hover in one location for hours.
Local authorities have already responded to one reported incident, with rescue workers investigating a 911 call about a craft allegedly crashing near a Lowe's in Hillsborough.
However, despite an overnight search, no evidence of any crash was discovered.
Similar sightings have also been reported in Texas, Oklahoma and California, though connections remain unclear.
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The situation has sparked cross-party concerns, with New Jersey's Democratic Governor Phil Murphy directly appealing to President Biden, sharing online: "I wrote to @POTUS to express my concerns about reports of unmanned aircraft systems in and around NJ airspace."
"Since existing laws limit the ability of state and local law enforcement to counter UAS, more federal resources are needed to understand what is behind this activity," Murphy wrote.
New Jersey congressman Jeff Van Drew claimed the drones were originating from an "Iranian mothership" off the east coast, although the Pentagon has stated there is "no evidence" to support Van Drew's assertion.
Two intelligence experts told reporters that the descriptions match those of Russian Orlan-10 drones, which typically operate in groups of three to five.
US Army general Darryl Williams noted similarities to situations observed at American and Nato bases across Europe that supply arms to Ukraine.
New Jersey's Democratic Governor Phil Murphy directly appealed to President Biden
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Experts have suggested that Russia could be conducting "ferreting" operations to test US airspace defences or surveillance of Ukraine's allies.
The activities might be aimed at monitoring facilities supporting Ukraine's defence against Russian occupation.
Adding to the confusion, the White House has issued a contradictory statement regarding the aerial phenomena, as officials claim there is no evidence the sightings are drones at all.
Instead, the White House maintains these are merely "manned aircraft" operating within legal parameters.
