The Pentagon has dismissed claims that mysterious drones spotted over New Jersey are being launched from an Iranian "mothership" off the East Coast, according to the BBC, as dozens of unexplained aerial sightings continue to puzzle authorities across the state.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh firmly rejected allegations made by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) who had claimed on Fox News that the drones were tied to Iranian operations.
"There is no truth to that," Singh told reporters Wednesday. "There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there's no so-called mothership launching drones towards the United States."
The Pentagon's initial assessment indicates "these are not drones coming from a foreign entity or adversary," Singh added.
The statement comes amid growing concerns over numerous drone sightings across New Jersey since November 18, with Governor Phil Murphy reporting 49 sightings on Sunday alone. Some of these aircraft have been spotted near sensitive locations, including the Picatinny Arsenal military research facility and former President Donald Trump's golf course in Bedminster.
During a congressional hearing Tuesday, FBI Assistant Director Robert Wheeler Jr. acknowledged the ongoing investigation but could not identify those responsible. "I don't have an answer of who's responsible," Wheeler said. "But we're actively investigating."
However, New Jersey Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia challenged the Pentagon's position following her briefing with the Department of Homeland Security. "To state that there is no known or credible threat is incredibly misleading," she said.
According to Fantasia, the drones appear sophisticated, measuring up to 6 feet in diameter, operating with lights off and showing coordinated movement patterns. She noted they seem capable of evading traditional detection methods such as helicopter and radio tracking.
The New Jersey incidents follow recent drone sightings over US military installations in the United Kingdom, where unidentified aircraft were reported over RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk.
While Murphy has emphasized that the drones do not appear to pose a public safety concern, authorities continue their investigation into the source and purpose of these unexplained aerial activities.
