The drones were reportedly spotted on one night within the past ten days, though authorities have not yet determined their origin.
Heightened monitoring amid tensionsThe sightings have prompted the military to step up surveillance and security protocols. A senior administration official, speaking anonymously because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the increased vigilance comes as the United States and Israel continue military strikes against Iran, as per the report.
The drone activity also triggered discussions among officials about possibly relocating Rubio and Hegseth from the base, according to two individuals briefed on the matter, as per WaPo. However, the senior administration official said that neither official has been moved so far.
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Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell declined to discuss details related to the incident. “The department cannot comment on the secretary’s movements for security reasons, and reporting on such movements is grossly irresponsible,” the official said, as per WaPo.
Security alerts across US military facilities
The drone sightings come as the United States has increased security measures both domestically and overseas. The State Department recently issued a worldwide alert directing American diplomatic posts to immediately reassess security conditions.
Several US military bases have also raised their alert status. These include Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and MacDill Air Force Base, which elevated their force protection level to “Charlie”, indicating intelligence suggesting a possible threat, as per WaPo.
At MacDill Air Force Base — home to United States Central Command — officials temporarily locked down parts of the installation following separate security incidents. According to base authorities, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating a suspicious package that shut down the visitors’ centre earlier this week, the report said.
“To ensure the safety and security of our people and the mission, commanders adjust their installation’s security posture in accordance with local threat assessments,” an Air Force spokesperson said in a statement, quoted WaPo.
Previous threats involving drones
The drone sightings also recall earlier security concerns tied to threats from Iran following the 2020 US strike that killed Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani.
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According to WaPo, unidentified drones were also detected around events involving Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign, including near a news conference in Los Angeles and during a motorcade in Pennsylvania. Officials at the time warned Trump about possible assassination threats linked to Iran, though no direct connection was confirmed.
