Flight restrictions and no answers nearly a month into the East Coast drone investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has expanded drone restrictions in around 30 towns and areas in New Jersey and New York after a rash of reports of unusual activity on the East Coast.

According to CBS, airports near the area are subject to many restrictions. The ban will be extended until January 18.

The investigation has been ongoing for weeks, and the FBI has not provided a clear answer to local authorities' and residents' concerns. However, it has clarified that there are no known security threats.

Locals have struggled with drone sightings for weeks after starting in New Jersey. The BBC reported that they have extended to Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Photo: Paul Gerke / X

The FBI launched the investigation in the second week of December. Federal authorities have provided drone detection systems to military bases and authorities in New York and New Jersey.

According to the BBC, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said some reports confused drones with manned aircraft and said the sightings could be related to a change in Federal restrictions.

According to The New York Times, authorities clarified that only 100 out of 5,000 sightings require further investigation. The others are related to commercial drones, hobbyists, or confusion.

Still, local authorities were overwhelmed with sighting reports and had no answers. As the sheriff's office's picture shows, residents have reported dozens of sightings in Monmouth County alone.

Photo: Monmouth County Sheriff's Office

So, what do we know about the drones? The FBI investigation into the incidents is classified, so information has been tightly limited.

According to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, information about the drones' manufacturer, model, make, and origin is unavailable.

The agency also said that, as the classified investigation continues, it is unclear who operates the drones (hobbyists, military, commercial, or other groups) or why.

The locals' concerns are not just about the inconvenience. Local officials have warned of sightings in sensitive areas. According to CNN, West Milford Mayor Michele Dale reported 60 drones over local reservoirs.

Local media reported that drone sightings led to the one-hour closure of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. CNN reported that drones were also spotted near military facilities in New Jersey and over one of President-elect Trump's golf fields.

According to their website, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued temporary flight restrictions over some areas between December 6 and December 20.

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