London The U.S. Air Forces said Wednesday that the British military has stepped up security around four U.S. military air bases in the nation after “a number” of drones were observed close to them.
According to a statement from the U.S. Air Force in Europe, American officials were collaborating with British authorities to guarantee the security of base assets, personnel, and facilities.
A U.K. military minister informed Parliament that the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom has also placed limitations on the airspace surrounding the sites.
According to Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, “The bottom line is it’s something that we’re going to take seriously,” at a routine press briefing on Tuesday. “We re continuing to look into it, but as of right now has not had any significant mission impact.”
According to a statement sent by email from RAF Mildenhall, one of the four U.S. sites, the drones, or small unmanned aircraft systems, have been seen “in the vicinity of and over the bases” since Nov. 20.
According to the Air Force, the drones’ sizes and configurations varied.
Officials from the United States and Britain refused to comment on the number of drones seen or the potential culprits.
About two hours north of London, in southeast England, are the bases of RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell. Situated around 150 miles southwest of the other sites is the fourth base, RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
In order to guarantee the security of base personnel, facilities, and assets, the U.S. Air Force in Europe also stated that they were collaborating with British authorities.
The U.S. Air Forces in Europe spokeswoman encouraged local residents to report any suspicious activities, including drone activity, to the local police or Security Forces in the United Kingdom.
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